A PHOTOGRAPHER has reached the final of a prestigious competition for the second year running.

Nikki Goodeve, from Haywards Heath, is one of the finalists for the Guild of Photographers Image of the Year Competition.

The Guild is a highly respected UK based association for photographers which has members from across the world.

Each year it runs an online monthly photographic competition, judged by internationally respected judges with awards given to the best entries.

The competition has attracted over 16,000 entries from during 2020.

This year, Guild’s judges have selected 10 images in various genres to go forward to the annual Image of the Year Final - two of which are Nikki’s.

The Argus:  Shanni the Pug puppy Shanni the Pug puppy

The 46-year-old said “It’s been a really challenging year with everything that’s gone on due to Covid and closing my studio doors due to lockdown.

“But to find out that I’m a pet image of the year finalist, for the second year running, has been the best boost that I could have asked for.

“I am passionate about creating images that connect with the viewer and have developed many tricks and gentle methods of capturing endearing images of people’s pets.

“I am excited for when the final results are due to be revealed.”

Guild director Lesley Thirsk said “One of the Guild’s aims is to drive standards and creativity amongst photographers.

“Our competition certainly does that, for the standard of the entries we see each month is quite staggering.

“To have an image recognised by the Guild in the monthly competition is difficult enough, so to have an image selected as being one of the best in a category for the end of year final is, without doubt, an incredible achievement, and shows just how talented photographer, Nikki Goodeve is.”

The results will be announced in early February 2021.

The photographer’s place in the final comes months after she was also shortlisted The Founders Cup. The award was set up by the guild in 1988.

The Argus: Mavis the pug with her litterMavis the pug with her litter

Nikki’s piece called “flying through the generations” was inspired by the 75th VE Day celebrations and the Battle of Britain 80th anniversary this year.

At the time, Nikki said her piece took a lot of planning and preparation.

She said: “I am overjoyed and excited to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award.

“There is a lot of work in coming up with the idea and there is also a lot of preparation in the styling.”

To find out more about the Guild of Photographers and their competition visit their website (www.photoguild.co.uk), and to find out more about Nikki Goodeve visit her website (nikkigoodevephotography.co.uk).