A WOMAN from Overton has seen her photography achieve a podium finish in a national competition.

Suzanne Ross-Hughes, who recently graduated in Film and Photography from Glyndwr University, earned third place in the Newborn category at the Photographer of the Year Awards.

Having been a photographer since 2013, Suzanne says she is delighted with her success.

"This was one of my main objectives during my course at Glyndwr," she said. "To achieve an award and be among nominated photographers that I have been inspired by since starting my photography journey was just incredible."

"It's been a tough four years doing the course alongside running my business and being a mum so I can't tell you how great it felt to see the hard work pay off."

Suzanne's impressive showing in the awards, which were presented at a ceremony in London, is the latest in a series of successes in recent years.

She was Highly Commended in the Societies of Photographers monthly competitions in 2018 and earned a Gold Award last year.

The 37-year-old was also a winner at the Baby Photo Awards in April 2019.

"What I learnt from attending the course at Glyndwr was how to take my business to the next level," she added. "It gave me the academic skills needed and confidence to promote my work.

"I was very lucky to have a fantastic course leader – Karen Heald. I'm so grateful for her support and encouragement every step of the way of my journey and finally achieving a first class degree.

"Newborn photography means so much to me because it's the start of a new life, a new beginning and a whole new journey for a family.

"Having the opportunity to work with families to create images that will be treasured and kept for generations to come is an honour."

Dr Heald, programme leader for Photography and Film at Glyndwr University, praised Suzanne's imagination and hard work in obtaining her qualification and forging ahead with her career.

She said: "Suzanne has been a fantastic student, and I am delighted that she is doing so well. She was such a creative and diligent student that it comes as no surprise that she has been recognised for her work.

"Her continuing success is a great example of how studying on the Photography and Film programme at Glyndwr University gives students the opportunity to develop the skills they need to thrive in their chosen career."