CHELSMFORD based newborn photographer, Jo Bradley, has gained significant international recognition by winning a prestigious award for her work from The Guild of Photographers.

Jo, 41, from Chelmsford City Centre, was named as a Top 10 Photographer of the Year in the Newborn and Baby category - a remarkable achievement considering the high number and standard of entries.

The Guild of Photographers is the highly regarded national photographic body whose members are dedicated to enhancing their skills in the art, craft and profession of photography.

It runs an Image of the Month competition, and received around 10,000 entries over the course of the year. Each image is scored, and the scores from the year are then totalled to determine who wins one of the Guild's Top 10 Photographer awards or becomes the Guild's Photographer of the Year.

Jo’s award was presented to her at the Guild's Awards night at Crewe Hall, Cheshire.

Steve Thirsk, Director of the Guild, said: “I am both proud and delighted that Jo has achieved this recognition after 12 months of submitting the highest quality images.

"The Guild has very demanding standards when judging photographic competitions. The judging is undertaken by a panel of international recognised experts from a variety of photographic backgrounds, so Jo quite rightly should be delighted with her extraordinary achievement.”

Dubbed the ‘baby whisperer’ by her clients, Jo Bradley, is a newborn photographer whose creative approach and talent with young babies sets her apart from other photographers.

Since establishing her business called Jo Bradley New Born Photography in 2011, Jo has developed and honed in on a completely unique way of photographing newborns which is based on trust, comfort and an acute understanding of the baby’s needs.

Her natural ability has enabled her to create a unique photoshoot experience at her studio or in clients’ homes which is relaxed, calm and at the pace of the baby.

As a member of the Guild, Jo commits to achieving the highest standards of professionalism and to a journey of continuing professional development.

Ms Bradley, said: “It has been an amazing achievement and experience being awarded as one of the top ten international photographers for the Newborn and Baby category by The Guild.

"With the excitement that becoming a new parent brings, the newborn stage passes in the blink of an eye, which is why I am passionate about cherishing these precious moments. I am truly proud to have been recognised by The Guild.”