Some moments in life take a little while to sink in. This is definitely one of them.
On Sunday 1st November, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the 2026 British Photography Awards at the Royal Lancaster in London. What I hadn't quite prepared myself for was coming home as the winner of the Landscape category, with my photograph Morning Rise.
Still trying to find the words, if I'm honest!
From a morning swim to a national photography award
There's something quite lovely about the story behind this photograph.
Morning Rise was captured during an early morning swim in the sea off the Dorset coast. I'd got into the water before sunrise, camera in its underwater housing, waiting for the light to arrive.
Rather than photographing the familiar coastal landscape, I wanted to get closer. To concentrate on the movement, textures and subtle changes happening on the surface of the ocean as the sun appeared on the horizon.
It was one of those moments when everything comes together. The light, the water, the movement and simply being there to witness it.
Photographed with my Fujifilm X-T5 and 60mm lens inside my AquaTech EDGE underwater housing, it's an image that represents so much of what I love about photography. Finding beauty in the details, looking beyond the obvious and seeing familiar places a little differently.
I certainly wasn't expecting that morning swim to lead to a national photography award!
Three photographs, one unforgettable evening
Being shortlisted for the British Photography Awards was already something I was incredibly excited about. To have three photographs recognised in the Landscape category was a real privilege.
Alongside Morning Rise, my images Old Harry From The Deep and Highland Coo also made the shortlist. Three very different photographs, each with its own story, representing different parts of my photographic journey.
From getting beneath the surface of the ocean to capturing the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, it was lovely to see such a varied collection of my work recognised together.
And then came the awards evening.
Held at the beautiful Royal Lancaster in London, it was wonderful to be surrounded by so many talented photographers, creatives and people who share a love of making images.
There's something quite special about being in a room full of people who understand the excitement of chasing light, waiting for the right moment and sometimes spending hours in the elements for a photograph!
Seeing the winning images, celebrating everyone's achievements and being part of the evening was an experience in itself.
The moment I heard my name
I really wasn't expecting it.
I was sitting around a table full of wonderful SheClickers, enjoying the evening, celebrating the shortlisted images and soaking up the atmosphere.
SheClicks is a community I'm incredibly proud to be part of. Through the workshops and photography trips I run alongside and for this wonderful group, I've met so many inspiring women, made some lovely friendships and seen first-hand just how powerful a supportive photography community can be.
And then, suddenly, my name was announced as the Landscape category winner.
My heart was absolutely pounding!
There was that split second of disbelief, followed by the excitement of realising that this was actually happening. And the reaction around the table? Absolutely brilliant! The SheClickers erupted! It was such a wonderful moment, made even more special by sharing it with this lovely group of women.
One moment I was sitting at the table, and the next I was making my way up to collect an award I'd never imagined I'd be holding that evening.
Walking up there was an amazing feeling. A real pinch-me moment.
And then, seeing my photograph up on the big screen.
Honestly, I don't think words can do that feeling justice.
There's something quite extraordinary about seeing an image you've created, often in a very personal moment, recognised on such a big stage.
Morning Rise was captured during a quiet early morning swim, just me, my camera, the ocean and the first light of the day. To see that moment celebrated in front of a room full of people was incredibly special.
Collecting the award was one of those experiences I'll remember for a very long time. Not just because of the recognition itself, but because of everything that sits behind it: the years of photography, the adventures, the early starts, the creative exploration and the sheer love of being out there making images.
And to experience it surrounded by such a lovely group of women made it all the more memorable.
What a night!
A little recognition for a lot of years behind the camera
Photography has been such a huge part of my life for the past 15 years.
What started as a passion alongside my full-time career gradually grew into a business, eventually becoming the full-time adventure it is today.
There have been countless early starts, cold mornings, long days, unexpected adventures, photographs that didn't quite work out and those magical moments when everything falls into place.
I've spent years exploring the Dorset coastline, travelling further afield, photographing the ocean from within the water and constantly looking for new ways to express what I see and feel through my camera.
It's never really been about chasing awards or recognition. It's always been about the experience, the connection with the places I photograph and the creative process itself.
But when recognition like this comes along, it's incredibly special.
To have an image created in the sea off my local Dorset coastline recognised at the British Photography Awards, among such an incredible collection of work, means more than I can easily put into words.
Feeling incredibly grateful
I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me, followed my photography, shared my work, sent messages and celebrated this little milestone with me.
The response has been quite overwhelming, in the loveliest possible way.
To everyone who has encouraged me along the way, whether you've joined me on a workshop, bought a print, followed my adventures or simply taken the time to stop and look at a photograph, thank you.
And, of course, to the British Photography Awards and everyone involved in putting together such a wonderful evening.
I'm eternally grateful.
And what's next?
Well, there's certainly no shortage of adventures on the horizon!
I'm currently putting the finishing touches to my photography book, Quiet Coastlines, and getting ready for the next round of workshops and photography adventures, with India, Iceland, Madeira and plenty more on the horizon.
I'm already looking forward to taking groups of female photographers to some of these incredible locations, sharing experiences, chasing light and hopefully inspiring a few more people to see the world a little differently.
And aside from all that, there are still so many coastlines to explore, photographs to make and moments of light to discover. It's never-ending!
So for now, I'll continue doing what I've always done: chasing light, getting in the ocean, exploring the world with my camera and trying to see beyond the ordinary.
This award is a lovely reminder of why I started in the first place, and perhaps a little encouragement to keep pushing creatively, trying new things and following those moments that make me want to pick up my camera.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
Emily x
