Summer 2015. Harlow Carr in the summertime is paradise for any photographer. From the age of 11, I have spent so many weekends there photographing the flowers and wildlife.

The thing I loved most about nature photography was that the shot was always so beautiful. I suppose in a way it was an ‘easy’ way to create amazing photography. Looking back, that’s now the thing I dislike the most about nature photography! I think it’s fair to say that nowadays I enjoy a bit more of a challenge!

4 times a year, Harlow Carr in Harrogate plays host to en exhibition of local artists. It displays everything from photography and watercolour paintings, to handmade cushions and cross stitches. I visited the exhibitions as often as I could as I have always loved anything handmade. It’s so important to support local businesses too!

I was fascinated by the nature photography, and couldn’t help but compare it to my own. This was the first time I actually believed that my own work could be good enough, so I got in contact with the events organiser, and was accepted for the following exhibition later that year.

The exhibition was so exciting. It was an absolute honour – if not a little nerve wracking – to have my work displayed for everybody to see!