A MIDLANDS portrait photographer has been crowned Central England Family Photographer of the Year in the Corporate Livewire Prestige Awards.
The Awards recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months.
Mum-of-three Lorraine Jardim, who owns Ellie J Photography, based in Fillongley, is thrilled particularly as it comes during an exceedingly difficult year for small business.
She said: “This has been a welcome boost at just the right time. Like many small business owners, the past few months have been an extremely difficult and worrying time for me, so to receive this news has provided a much-needed ray of sunshine.
“As a mum I’ve reached that bittersweet stage where I have to accept that the fleeting childhood years are over and so as a photographer, what I love most is helping clients preserve their own family memories through my portraits. In many cases I will meet a new family at the very start of their new baby’s life and then get to watch that child and family grown through my lens during return visits. It is such an honour to be able to do this.
“I’ve been taking photographs professionally for over 12 years now and over the years have trained with some amazing photographers including celebrity newborn photographer, Ana Brandt. I have three children of my own, not so little now though! My two eldest, Stefan and Charis, have left home, and my youngest Alyssa is 17.
“I’ve had some unusual requests over the years. As a Star Wars fan one of my favourites was a request to pose a couple’s brand new baby with an almost full sized R2D2.”
As part of the judging process, factors such as client feedback, reviews and on-line presence were considered in addition to the services and products provided.
Lorraine said: “During lockdown when I was unable to work, I wanted to ensure that I could still interact regularly with my client base. I began to blog more frequently, inviting other small companies to guest blog on my website.
“I also ran a children’s photography competition and a ‘then and now’ project on my social media pages. These proved to be popular and I hope helped keep people entertained during a worrying time for everyone.”
When small businesses were allowed to reopen in June, Lorraine made sure she was ready to hit the ground running. She said: “It was difficult having to adapt the way I work to ensure I could still offer portrait sessions whilst complying with social distancing requirements. However, I think it is so important that clients, especially new parents wanting to capture this wonderful time in their lives, can feel safe whilst still being able to preserve their memories through professional photography.
“As an artist it is always lovely to have your work recognised, but to win this award which also commends my business practice is wonderful. I know it would not have been possible without the reviews and support of my wonderful clients, family and friends and I am so grateful to them.”
Ellie J Photography offers professional newborn, family and pet photography to clients throughout Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull.
