Simon keeps it in the family 
by scooping top photo award

Local photographer Simon O’Neill is keeping it in the family after winning a top award, following in his uncle’s footsteps.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th May 2014, 09:43 BST
Kat Curran with Ciaran O'Neill NI Family Portrait Photographer of the Year 2014Kat Curran with Ciaran O'Neill NI Family Portrait Photographer of the Year 2014
Kat Curran with Ciaran O'Neill NI Family Portrait Photographer of the Year 2014

Simon, who works at Ciaran O’Neill’s studio in Lurgan, scooped the prestigious PPANI Wedding Album of the Year.

With stunning images, Simon captured the wedding of Lurgan couple Michelle Spence and Robert Harvey who kept it local with many of the town’s talent helping to make their big day a massive success.

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Indeed Brownlow House was the stunning location for their wedding, Perfect Day dressed the beautiful bridesmaids, Flick Hairdressing did the updos for the bridal party and Christine Patterson did their make up.

Michelle Spence and Robert Harvey outside Brownlow HouseMichelle Spence and Robert Harvey outside Brownlow House
Michelle Spence and Robert Harvey outside Brownlow House

A panel of five international judges were so very impressed with Simon’s work both the photography and the layout they were heard to say ‘that the album was in a class of its own’.

Simon is the youngest person ever to qualify for the Professional Photography Association of Northern Ireland (PPANI). The 33-year-old has been a member for around seven years.

Simon is currently ranking in the top two most awarded photographers in Northern Ireland, coming in behind his uncle Ciaran.

Ciaran also adorned his already well feathered cap by winning Family Photographer of the Year with a stunning father and son image, and again with a local family, Johnny Roberts and his son Kaden.