STUDYING at Wrexham Glyndŵr University has taken a photography graduate’s skills to the next level – and helped her impress the judges of a competition that attracts entries from across the globe.

Suzanne Ross-Hughes, who recently graduated with an MDES in Film and Photography, earned third place in the Newborn category at the Photographer of the Year Awards which she said she was “over the moon” about.

“This was one of my main objectives during my course at Glyndŵr. To achieve an award and be among nominated photographers that I have been inspired by since starting my photography journey was just incredible,” she said.

“It's been a tough four years doing the course alongside running my business and being a mum so I can't tell you how great it felt to see the hard work pay off.”

Suzanne, from Overton, has been a photographer since 2013 and learnt technical skills from her father and a college course before coming to Glyndŵr in 2015 to refine her knowledge and develop her techniques.

Her impressive showing in the Photographer of the Year Awards, which were presented at a ceremony in London, is the latest in a series of successes in recent years.

She was Highly Commended in the Societies of Photographers monthly competitions in 2018 and earned a Gold Award last year. The 37-year-old was also a winner at the Baby Photo Awards in April 2019.

Suzanne said: “What I learnt from attending the course at Glyndŵr was how to take my business to the next level. It gave me the academic skills needed and confidence to promote my work.

“I was very lucky to have a fantastic course leader - Karen Heald. I'm so grateful for her support and encouragement every step of the way of my journey and finally achieving a 1st class degree.”

Perfect Moments specialises in fine art newborn and wedding photography is based at Suzanne’s studio in Overton.

“Newborn photography means so much to me because it's the start of a new life, a new beginning and a whole new journey for a family. Having the opportunity to work with families to create images that will be treasured and kept for generations to come is an honour,” she said.

“I love the whole process of finding out what my clients like and then creating a bespoke shoot based around that to the final part of delivering their images and wall art for them to display in their homes.”

Dr Karen Heald, programme leader for Photography and Film at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, praised Suzanne’s imagination and hard work in obtaining her qualification and forging ahead with her career.

She said: “Suzanne has been a fantastic student, and I am delighted that she is doing so well. She was such a creative and diligent student that it comes as no surprise that she has been recognised for her work.

“Her continuing success is a great example of how studying on the Photography and Film programme at Wrexham Glyndŵr University gives students the opportunity to develop the skills they need to thrive in their chosen career.”