Guild of Photographers Awards night
This article documents Emma Campbell, horse portrait photographer, getting a special recognition award from the Guild of Photographers.
Special Recognition from The Guild of Photographers
Over the weekend, I was genuinely surprised – and very honoured – to receive a Special Recognition Award from the The Guild of Photographers.
I really didn’t expect it!
The Guild means a great deal to me. It’s not just a professional body – it’s a community. Under the leadership of Steve and Lesley Thirsk, it has a genuine supportive and welcoming culture that encourages photographers. No matter their genre or level, to explore their craft and keep developing.
That spirit of growth and generosity is something I value enormously and was one of the main reasons I decided to go on and train to be both a judge and mentor.
My surprised award came at the end of a full few days immersed in photography.
UK Print Photography Awards
Following a drive down to DoubleTree by Hilton Stoke on Trent on Thursday, I was all ready for our judges briefing at 8.30am the following day. I was so excited to have been asked to judge the UK Photographic Print Awards alongside an incredibly talented and experienced panel of judges.
Judging is always a privilege and to see such a high standard of work and to be part of those conversations about craft, storytelling, creativity and impact, was amazing. What made it so special, is that many of the audience watching, were finalists.
The Guild of Photographer’s Photohubs Event
As the weekend continued with Photohubs, a brilliant event organised by the Guild, packed with learning, inspiration and excellent speakers. Tickets to the main speakers, which also gives you access to some brilliant trade stands too, was only £15 and so worth it! And then, of course, the Guild’s Annual Awards Night – always a highlight of the photographic calendar.
I have to admit, I got very teary when Lesley was reading out my bio to the audience. When I had initially, in 2020 won Image of the Year and Equine Image of the Year, we couldn’t have an awards night, due to covid. So to stand in front of my fellow photographers last weekend and be recognised for the small bit that I do for the industry – was just a joy.
With the photography awards – I’m not able to enter myself, due to my position as panel member and judge, but the evening was made even more special, when one of my mentees, Callie Soden, win Pet Photographer of the Year and Overall Guild Photographer of the Year.
And then it was straight back to reality the next day – home to Louie, my fell pony, the mud, and normal life resumed. The Special Recognition Award was the unexpected icing on the cake. I’m truly grateful to be part of a community that has shaped so much of my professional journey.
For more information about The Guild of Photographers and what it could offer you – visit: https://photoguild.co.uk/
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About the author
Emma Campbell is a professional horse portrait photographer and Master Craftsman (MCrGPP) with over 30 years’ experience capturing horses and their owners.
An award-winning photographer, Emma won Overall Winner, Image of the Year (Judges’ Choice) and Equine Image of the Year with The Guild of Photographers in 2020.
She holds a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and Business and is recognised as one of the first photographers to achieve Master Craftsman status in equine photography with The Guild.
In 2024, Emma became a Panel Member, Judge and Mentor with The Guild of Photographers and has judged at ClickMasters Live and The British Photography Awards. Her work has featured in equestrian and photography publications and has been exhibited at the Design Museum, London.
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Emma Campbell
HORSE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
Coverage
Emma Campbell is a Master Craftsman horse portrait photographer based in Cumbria.
She photographs horses and their amazing owners across the North of England, Cheshire, North Wales and Southern/Borders Scotland.
UK wide on request.
© 2026 | Emma Campbell Photography | Horse Portrait Photographer