Whitley Bay photographer snaps up double success

A specialist photographer has double reason to celebrate.

Tina Stobbs, from Whitley Bay, offers a mobile photography service to new parents in the comfort of their own home.

Now she has been recognised as one of the country's top newborn and baby photographers in The Guild of Photographers 2016 competition and also became a member of the prestigious The Photographers Bar.

Guild director Lesley Thirsk said: "I am delighted for Tina as this is a incredible achievement.

"Creating, submitting and having images assessed every month over the course of a year is very demanding in itself, and only those with the highest of scores at the end of the year are recognised as Tina has been.

"This achievement illustrates her commitment, skill and consistency. She should be very proud of her amazing award."

As the only North East entrant, Tina placed eighth nationally within the specialist category Newborn and Baby.

Tina said: "I have the best job meeting new parents at the most precious of times and capturing moments they can treasure forever.

"And to be recognised nationally at such a level is brilliant."

Membership of the 'Photographers Bar' is a distinction that is very difficult to achieve – less than 100 photographers have achieved it in the four years since its inception, during which time around 40,000 images will have been entered for assessment by photographers across the UK and from overseas.

In early 2016 Tina qualified as the very first North East newborn and baby photographer within The Guild of Photographers, becoming an ambassador of the association with her 'Qualified Status' award.

Submitting a range of newborn photos to the Image of the Month Guild competition, and to date receiving a total of 48 awards.

Originally from New Zealand, Tina moved to North Tyneside 19 years ago where she now lives with her engineer husband Graham and children Zack, eight, and Casey, nine.

Leaving HR to follow her passion for photography Tina started Captured Forever in 2013, making the decision to specialise in newborn photography in 2014.

Source: Whitley Bay photographer snaps up double success