A Bishop's Stortford photographer's talents have been recognised in a prestigious competition.

Colin Brister, 51, impressed judges in the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) Awards with his creativity. Some 1,200 entries were received in all, making his haul of six Bronze Awards all the more remarkable.

Colin, who lives in Barrells Down Road, is a former decorator whose camera skills are self-taught. He has gone on to become an associate of BIPP.

He was born in Hatfield and has lived in Stortford for three years. He and partner Alex, a human resources manager, have five grown-up children between them from previous marriages and are set to tie the knot in June 2021.

Colin has worked as a motor sports photographer for the past 12 years, but for the last decade he has been experimenting with lighting techniques which he showcased in his competition entries.

An enthusiastic member of Bishop's Stortford Camera Club, he said: "My work is mainly about the lighting – whatever the subject, it's the lighting that's important for me.

"My subjects range. I still cover motocross every weekend in muddy fields all over the UK, but have recently found other avenues. One is providing nature and equine artworks for a local gallery. I've produced two books on photography and lighting."

This is the first year that Colin has entered national competitions, and he has chanced his arm in the BIPP national print competition and the Federation of European Professional Photographers' European Photographer of the Year.

"I've gained awards in both competitions – the European competition I'm waiting for the final results. It's been great to be awarded for six images, but still room for improvement!"

BIPP chief executive Martin Baynes said: "The quality of this year's entries was very high, with many wonderful and creative images in all genres. Myself and the judges were blown away by the talent and creativity shown."

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