Connah’s Quay photographer shines in global ‘Image of the Year’ competition

In the world of photography, where skill and creativity converge, Andrew Baines, a local photographer from Connah’s Quay, has emerged as a beacon of talent.

Andrew has recently achieved a significant milestone by reaching the final of the Guild of Photographers Image of the Year Competition, a testament to his extraordinary artistry and dedication.

The Guild of Photographers, a UK-based association revered in the photography community, hosts this esteemed competition annually.

The event attracts photographers from across the globe, making it a melting pot of diverse and awe-inspiring photographic works.

This year, the competition witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 12,000 entries submitted by some of the most skilled photographers worldwide.

The competition’s rigorous process, judged by internationally renowned experts, ensures only the most exceptional images make it through.

From thousands of entries, the Guild’s judges handpicked no more than 10 images in various genres for the annual Image of the Year Final.

Andrew’s selection as a finalist places him in the league of the ‘best of the best’, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Guild Director Lesley Thirsk said, “One of the Guild’s aims is to drive standards and creativity amongst photographers.”

“Our competition certainly does that, for the standard of the entries we see each month is quite staggering.”

“To have an image recognised by the Guild in the monthly competition is difficult enough, so to have an image selected as being one of the best in a category for the end of year Final is without doubt an incredible achievement, and shows just how talented photographer Andrew Baines is.”

Andrew Baines said, “I really enjoy photography and spend a lot of time honing my skills. One way I do that is by taking part in the Guild of Photographers competition, which keeps pushing the bar for photography standards month after month.”

“It’s a fantastic motivator for me. Seeing the amazing images that get awards each month is super inspiring. Knowing how high those standards are and getting one of my images shortlisted among the final 10 in its category from all the submissions throughout the year is just so exciting! When I heard the news, I was so shocked and nearly burst into tears!”

“This particular image was taken at Carden Park and is one of my absolute favourites! I have it framed on my office wall. During Jacquie & Steven’s wedding day, I took a stroll to scout out locations for a sunset shoot after their wedding breakfast and spotted a lifelike deer statue upon a rise in the venue’s gardens.”

“As the sun dropped in the sky, it created the perfect backdrop for this silhouette. The Bride & Groom were blown away with the results when I showed them the back of my camera!”

Andrew will be able to celebrate their achievement and find out if they are the overall winner at a spectacular Awards Gala evening on 3rd February 2024.

To find out more about the Guild of Photographers and their competition, visit their website www.photoguild.co.uk, and to find out more about Andrew, visit their website www.andrewbainesphotography.com.