Catherine’s talent in sharp focus at the PPANI awards

And it really has been a pictured perfect time for the lenswoman who has made so many local couples and families happy with her groundbreaking images.

The wonderfully talented wedding and fashion photographer from Castlerock scooped an incredible six top prizes at the recent PPANI Awards held at Galgorm Manor Resort & Spa in Ballymena.

Catherine not only the Overall Creative and Fashion Photographer of the Year award but also was named Fashion Photographer of the Year, Commercial Photographer of the Year, Portrait Photographer of the Year, Licentiate Photographer of the Yearand Creative Photographer of the Year.

And she was particularly thrilled to have won the prestigious Francis Neill Trophy, which is presented for the best image of the year.

She told The Coleraine Times this week that she was simply delighted to take home the clutch of prestigious awards.

“The talent in our wee country is immense,” she said.

“So to win overall was completely incredible, as the competition was judged by some of the top photographers in the world, one of whom was Brett Florens.

“I love fashion photography, however wedding photography is my favourite, as I can incorporate fashion into my images.”

The prestigious Professional Photographers Association of Northern Ireland awards celebrate and identifies individuals who have achieved outstanding success through their superb images.

Catherine, a mum of three, has built up an impressive portfolio or work since she started her business just a few years ago.

She takes photographs for fashion shoots and front covers for magazines across Northern Ireland, and her talent means she is one of the most in-demand photographers in the country.

She is also a popular wedding photographer offering a different approach to her couples who love her reportage style photography and quirky twist on a classic album.

A busy mother also, Catherine is passionate and devoted to her career and has carved out a growing reputation as one of the leading photographers in the country.

She said: “I have been a professional photographer now for eight years.

“I grew up in Derry but emigrated to Australia at 16 where I finished school.

“I studied Film Photography and used to develop my own photographs, and was awarded a distinction in City& Guilds in both black and white film and colour film in 2005.

“Previously to my photographic career I was a Staff Nurse in the old Coleraine Hospital where I met my husband.”

And no one will be prouder of Catherine’s outstanding recent successes than her husband Niall and their three sons, Calum 16, Fergus 13 and Owen 11.

However the PPANI awards are just the latest industry honours for Catherine.

She revealed: “I was nominated for two London awards for the Society of Wedding and Portrait photographers, which is a worldwide competition, and was runner up, which was amazing!”

With her tremendous talent in sharp focus there’s no doubt that we will be hearing a lot more about Catherine in the future!