Collette is now Northern Ireland Fashion Photographer of the Year and Overall Creative Photographer of the Year. Her outstanding talent and dedication to her photography have earned her the admiration of peers and clients alike, achieving a standing ovation at the glittering awards ceremony, held in Slieve Donard Hotel on Sunday night.
With almost two decades of experience as a fashion model for television, newspaper advertising, and promotional campaigns, Collette transitioned to the world of photography in 2014, launching her own business, Collette Creative. Today, ten years on, she has worked with some of the top personalities and brands in the world, from President Joe Biden, Vogue Magazine, Hello! Magazine to many local brands, as well as being chosen recently to photograph all the current female MLAs at Stormont Assembly. Her work spans a wide variety of sectors, including commercial, advertising, fashion, corporate and personal work.
Commenting at the awards, Collette said: “I am just blown away by the awards – I still cannot believe it!”
“To be recognised amongst all my peers who are just so talented is a real pinch-me moment and I am so happy. I cannot believe that I have come home with accolades that I thought I could only dream about. I am truly grateful and so very proud. Achieving a life achievement is really one of those out-of-body incredible experiences. ”
“After years of working as a model, and indeed in my day job as a graphic and website designer I developed a deep appreciation for the artistry behind the camera,” said Collette.
“Photography allows me to capture the beauty and diversity of the world around us, and I am grateful for the opportunity to express my creativity in this way.”
Collette opened her own photographic studio in Belmont, East Belfast in 2016, and since then her portfolio and awards cabinet has gone from strength-to-strength.
“I enjoy the human and personal connection that my career allows me to do and fostering relationships with my clients – this has been a cornerstone of my approach to every shoot, whether it’s working with the President of the United States or capturing precious family portraits.
“I love the interaction as well as the opportunity to capture memories that endure a lifetime, creating images that speak volumes.”
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