WELLS photographer Neil Bremner is celebrating after winning a prestigious competition entered by some of the most talented photographers from around the UK and Europe.

Neil's image of his daughter Grace holding a burning umbrella was placed first in the Print Competition at this year's Guild of Photographers Awards.

The Made Portraits studio owner has won a number of awards over the past six years but this is the first time he has taken top spot in an annual competition.

"I really haven't taken it all in quite yet," he said. "The standard of images in the Print Competition was off the scale so my expectations hadn't been anywhere near to what actually happened."

Neil used his Photoshop skills to create the composite image from several separate photos, and his eye for detail was recognised by photography judges Saraya Cortaville and Kevin Pengelley who said: "Neil just went that extra mile burning the mount which fitted the image perfectly."

Steve Thirsk, director of the guild, said: "The guild has very demanding standards when judging photographic competitions. The judging is undertaken by a panel of internationally recognised experts from a variety of photographic backgrounds so Neil Bremner quite rightly should be delighted with his extraordinary achievement."

Neil specialises in fun family portraits in his Glastonbury studio so taking a step outside was a little unfamiliar.

"I wanted to get myself out of my comfort zone and taking my photography outdoors to create something moodier than my normal work seemed like the perfect fit," he said.

The image was photographed with Grace on a lane near Godney. She has appeared in several of Neil's award-winning images, including one of her looming over a wall at The Bishop's Palace that appeared in Wells Voice.

"When I'm coming up with new concepts or ideas, Grace is brilliant as she understands the process and realises that setting up can take a while," said Neil.

"She's incredibly patient and she loves that she features in my work. We're a team."