Young Amberley snappers claim national photo prizes

Lara Cresswell and Fionn Blundy both seven years old, won first and third places respectively in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Young Photographer of the Year Competition (under 11 category).

Initially the school was delighted when the two members of the school’s Photography Group were short listed in November with the school’s newsletter reading: “this is wonderful news... we will be keeping our fingers crossed for them,” so it was with real pride that they got the news that both children had been placed in the top three.

The photography workshops are run by Cheryl Blundy and Madaline Farrow who concentrate on image composition rather than technical know-how.

“Young children can get easily frustrated with traditional artistic media, and they can be extremely critical of their own efforts,” says Cheryl, “but with a few guidelines they can produce fantastic photos reaching a level of artistic maturity that won’t be possible for another ten years or so in other media.

“It gives them a fabulous sense of confidence in their abilities.

“To have two of them win in the under 11s category when they are both only seven is fantastic, we are really proud of them!”

Jon Gilbert, Headteacher of Amberley First School was full of praise for the photography club and all that it has achieved.

“The children are very fortunate to be able to be involved in such an exciting and creative after school activity.

They are learning a whole range of new skills and the children are enjoying being able to display their creative talents.”

Lara’s mum, Rosie says “this is my daughter’s favourite activity... when my daughter comes home from her photography workshop she’s always happy, full of ideas and enthusiastic to do more.”

The school, the photography group and Cheryl and Madaleine would all like to say a big “congratulations” to both Fionn and Lara; the Photography Group are very excited about their next creative project based around Arundel Castle which will be exhibited in Worthing’s art gallery between May and September this year.