Photographer snaps up award (From Watford Observer)

Watford photographer snaps up award from The London Portrait Group

11:51am Thursday 4th March 2010 in News By Michael Pickard

Her photograph of three bottles of fresh milk, delivered to a church the morning after it was destroyed by fire, was published on the front page of the Watford Observer.

Now Gail D'Almaine, of St Michaels Close, Garston, has been honoured by The London Portrait Group after her image of three young actors won an award.

Gail, a graphic designer and photographer, visited Stagecoach theatre school, based at Parmiter's School in Garston, where she captured three rising stage stars as they prepare for their annual production of Billy Elliott at the end of the academic year.

Then on Tuesday evening, her work was singled out by a leading photographer at the monthly meeting of The London Portrait Group, in Abbots Langley.

Gail, a mother-of-one, said: “The reason it stood out is because it's very simple. They have got attitude on their faces and you don't have to look too hard to find out what it is. It's very simple and strong.

“It's a big achievement for me because I've only been there for three meetings. There were some very good photographs so I'm delighted.”

As her photography career continues to blossom, Gail is hoping to expand her business and take on more work as a portrait and commercial photographer.

She said: “A photograph tends to make a statement and a viewpoint. A good photograph will make you feel something without having to work too hard at it.

“It's a good memory and it says everything about the time it was taken and the people involved. It's a visual diary.”

Gail featured in the Watford Observer, on November 21, 2008, when her camera captured the aftermath of a fire that destroyed the British headquarters of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, in St Albans Road, Garston.