In an inspiring tale from the Scottish Borders, a woman’s casual social media postings have led to her becoming an award-winning photographer.
Jennifer Charlton’s journey from the simple sharing of daily life snapshots to winning the prestigious 2024 Scottish Portrait Awards is nothing short of remarkable.
A Serendipitous Beginning
Jennifer Charlton’s ascent into the world of professional photography began quite by accident. One day, she found herself unable to go to the gym and decided to take her dog for a walk. She took photos of autumnal trees on her phone and shared them on Facebook, receiving an unexpectedly positive response from her friends.
Encouraged by the positive feedback, Jennifer realised she might have a knack for photography. A kind gesture from a friend further cemented this new path. ‘I was going through a really difficult time in my life, and a friend sent me money, saying it was to put towards my first camera,’ she explained. It was then that Jennifer decided to pursue photography more seriously.
Achieving Academic Excellence
Balancing family commitments and several part-time jobs, Jennifer enrolled in professional photography courses at Edinburgh College and Kingston University. Her dedication paid off when she graduated with a first-class honours degree.
Despite the challenges, Jennifer’s hard work and commitment to her studies led to success. She submitted her coursework to the national awards, never expecting to win but was thrilled and shocked to receive first place in the Scottish Portrait Awards.
Award-Winning Work
Jennifer’s winning photograph is part of her series focusing on mental health, titled ‘A Hidden Community’.
The acclaimed image features an outdoor swimmer named John, who bravely posed on a freezing February morning. Jennifer’s work captures the essence of her subjects’ experiences and struggles with mental health, highlighting the depth of her commitment to the project.
‘It’s not an easy thing to do,’ Jennifer said of her photography subjects. ‘There is a vulnerability to it, so I have huge admiration for all the people who have worked with me.’ Her project has brought her closer to people she knew and introduced her to new individuals, showing that anyone can be affected by mental health issues.
Diverse Photography Portfolio
Jennifer’s photography isn’t limited to her mental health series. She has a deep love of sport, which regularly takes her to racetracks and ringside at some of the UK’s biggest boxing events.
She has photographed world champions such as Josh Taylor from East Lothian and Lewis Ritson from Newcastle. Despite the predominantly male environment, Jennifer has carved out a niche for herself, although she admits to facing abuse from crowds who didn’t believe a woman should be taking photos.
Support and Recognition
Reflecting on her journey, Jennifer feels incredibly fortunate to receive the support and recognition she has. ‘I’ve loved the sport, and getting to know boxers and what they put themselves through, but it’s tough working in that very male-dominated world,’ she said.
Jennifer hopes that her recent award will lead to more commissions and paid work. ‘There’s a lot of competition in photography, but this has given me new confidence. I’d love to work more for charities and eventually sustain an exhibition large enough to make an impact.’
The Future of ‘A Hidden Community’
Jennifer is continuing to work on ‘A Hidden Community’ and is open to collaborating with more individuals who wish to share their stories. She believes in the importance of shedding light on mental health issues and bringing diverse community stories to the forefront.
This project, along with her other ventures, demonstrates her commitment to using photography as a medium to affect change and raise awareness. Jennifer’s journey, from social media posts to award-winning photography, serves as an inspiration.
Jennifer Charlton’s story showcases the profound impact of encouragement and support. A simple gesture led her to discover a passion that has touched many lives.
Her dedication to highlighting mental health issues through her photography continues to inspire, and her recent award is a testament to her hard work and vision.
