05 Feb 2024
Not only has town snapper Steve Collins achieved the prestigious ‘Photographers Bar’ from The Guild of Photographers for the sixth time but he also scored Runner Up in the Image of the Year (Urban Category).
This was for his photograph showing chef Mehmet Berhan Aksahin preparing for the evening service, taken through the window of Tabure in Harpenden.
The awards were announced on Saturday at an annual ceremony held in Stoke on Trent.
Membership of the ‘Photographers Bar’ is a unique distinction only awarded to photographers who have successfully had images assessed by the Guild of Photographers over the course of a year and have attained a score that evidences an exceptional level of professional skill and consistency, throughout that period.
Guild directors Steven and Lesley Thirsk said: “We are delighted for Steve as this is a great achievement! Submitting and having images assessed every month for a year and reaching the required standards to become a member of the Photographers Bar is very demanding. It illustrates his commitment, skill, and consistency. Steve should be immensely proud of what he has achieved.”
Steve, who is also chair of Harpenden Photographic Society, said: “I’m delighted to have achieved the Photographers Bar distinction for the sixth time.
Additionally, after the thrill of having two images selected as Top Ten finalists in the Urban Category for Image of the Year, I am super honoured that my image of Tabure was chosen by The Guild judges as the Runner Up. I still haven’t actually eaten there, so I must make sure I do now!
“I am also proud that many of the images that contributed to the Photographers Bar were taken locally in Harpenden. In addition to the image of Tabure, these include ones of Godfreys of Harpenden fish and chip shop, a steamed-up barbers shop window in Southdown; a rainy bus stop outside Pizza Express, as well as a snowy scene taken on the Common.”
