A WREXHAM-based photographer is celebrating after his work received national acclaim, winning a prestigious industry award.

Stephen Cain, who specialises in photographing arts events including theatre, live music and dance across Chester, Wrexham and North Wales as well as providing headshots for local actors, won the award for the best photograph in the Music Events - Performance Category at the 2024 Event Photography Awards.

Stephen's entry, a photograph of Electronica legends Morcheeba performing at the popular Chester-based music festival Devafest in 2023, beat competition from nearly 800 entries to be crowned the winning image.

Stephen Cains award-winning photogrpah of Electronica legends Morcheeba.

Stephen Cain's award-winning photogrpah of Electronica legends Morcheeba.

The Event Photography Awards are open to professional and amateur photographers, with awards in 16 core categories, including music events, concerts and performers, behind the scenes, food and drink, corporate events and conferences, cultural events, weddings and A-listers.

Speaking about Stephen winning the coveted award, Graham Hill, competition and events director, Events Photography Awards, said "The Music Events - Performances Category was by far the most competitive, with nearly 800 entries - so Stephen has achieved a significant victory".

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Stephen added: "I have a great passion for photographing the performing arts and creating images that have impact and personality.

"Its a good feeling to have your work appreciated and this will encourage me to continue this wonderful journey and further develop my photography."

Since developing his passion for photography and becoming an events photographer 15 years ago, Stephen has gone on to become much sought after across Chester, Wrexham and North Wales.

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He captures performances for several local theatre companies, including Against The Grain, Chester Little Theatre, Grove Park Theatre and Tip Top Productions, as well as live music events including Llangollen International Eisteddfod and Devafest, plus concerts, operas, dance and other events.

In addition to photographing live events, Stephen provides industry standard headshots for actors, performers and business professionals at his studio in Wrexham, which he set up five years ago.

• More details of Stephen's work can be found via his website: www.stephencainphotography.co.uk