Recognition for a job well done means the world. Sometimes that recognition comes in the form of verbal praise, a bonus, a certificate, a glass award.
And, sometimes it comes in the form of rapturous applause, bone-crushing hugs and in unceasing motivational pep-talks from our peers.
No one knows this better than the new Francis Neill Memorial Cup holder and winner of four Professional Photographer Association NI (PPANI) awards’ categories, Kirsty-Lyn Jameson.
Portadown photographer-extraordinaire, Kirsty-Lyn began her life as a self-employed snapper around 15 years ago, aged in her 20s. But even before that, she had long been a follower of the craft.
Back in her early teens – when she completed work experience with one of the forerunners of photography in Northern Ireland, Marie Allen – Kirsty-Lyn said she was advised by the savant to join the PPANI.
In the naivety of youth, she discouraged herself. “It was a collective of the most professional people in the industry. I didn’t want them to think me a fraud!” she laughed.
Standing on the evening of Saturday March 21, in a room full of her peers and some of the most celebrated and decorated photographers the country has to offer, Kirsty-Lyn was able to stand proud – in front of Marie Allen who had encouraged her all those years ago – and soak up the fact that she deserved to be among them.
Kirsty with friends Sharon, Melissa and Tara (left to right) Credit: Press Eye
At the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, the mum-of-three scooped Fashion & Beauty Photographer of the Year, Pictorial Photographer of the Year, Overall Creative Photographer of the Year and Licentiate Photographer of the Year.
She was also awarded Children Photographer of the Year 2nd runner up and then… the icing on the cake, The Francis Neill Memorial Cup, the evening’s overall prize and most sought-after recognition.
Speaking to Armagh I, Kirsty-Lyn said: “An evening like that shakes your reality. I mean it when I say I have no words. I genuinely can’t believe this is real.
“Every time they called my name I just kept thinking, what is going on? I kept waiting for someone to say ‘jokes!'”
And while gong after shiny gong continued to land on the table at which she sat, Kirsty-Lyn was most of all blown away by the support, adoration and selfless love shown to her by those around her.
A tearful Kirsty. Credit: Press Eye
At her table were friends and fellow photographers, ‘Hype woman’ Tara; President of PPANI, Melissa and one of her best and most amazing friends, Sharon.
“It was the absolute roar from the people in that room,” said Kirsty-Lyn. “The cheers and the claps. Everybody was so, so happy for me. There’s no way to even describe the feeling of pure love. I’m so, so grateful for their comments, their cheers, the hooting and hollering! I burst into tears.”
Those incredible women have undoubtedly been the fountain of strength for Kirsty-Lyn in recent years, she could have talked endlessly of each of them and how fortunate she feels to have been blessed with their friendship. They each now form part of an adopted family who, in her words, “celebrated as if they had won it themselves.”
And while it was the most uplifting encouragement of her career, it came – as all momentous life occasions do – with an underlying pang of sadness for those we want nothing more than to celebrate with but for whom we can only now imagine their delight.
A cheeky sup from the Francis Neill Memorial Cup
In 2022, Kirsty-Lyn sadly lost her beloved mummy, Moira. She was one of her biggest cheerleaders, always encouraging, always supportive, always proud.
During those moments of exaltation, when her name was being called as winner, her mind naturally drifted to her mum.
“I just wish I could tell my wee mummy,” said Kirsty-Lyn. “She always wanted me to join PPANI. It’s a shame that she didn’t get to see it because she would have loved it. Even in those moments with all the hugs I literally fell into the arms of my friends.”
Of the PPANI, Kirsty – who joined just three years ago – said the perks are endless.
She spoke of their workshops with world-renowned photographers that would otherwise cost hundreds – if not thousands – of pounds which are all included in the membership.
But the ethos of networking and community is the highlight for her. Making long-lasting connections with others in the industry who all work to help one another through mentorship, advice and, on occasion, as last minute stand-ins for events when life gets in the way!
To anyone in the industry – or indeed any line of work – who struggles with a little voice inside their head saying “You’re not enough”, Kirsty-Lyn has some stellar advice.
“Do it with the confidence of a 20-year-old,” she laughed. “That’s what I tell all my friends. There’s something about when you’re 20 just being that little bit naïve, but in a good way. You’re not aware of all the risks or maybe the risks aren’t as risky or something. Just do it with confidence!”
