SOUTH Norfolk-based photographer Simon Buck has won a top prize for his work at the industry's most prestigious awards ceremony. His stunning picture of a tame vulture won the pets' category at the British Professional Photography Awards - beating off stiff competition from across the country.

SOUTH Norfolk-based photographer Simon Buck has won a top prize for his work at the industry's most prestigious awards ceremony.

His stunning picture of a tame vulture won the pets' category at the British Professional Photography Awards - beating off stiff competition from across the country.

“It's funny because I don't do that much pet photography and it's quite unusual for someone who's better known for their wedding and editorial work. And the photo is actually of a vulture, which isn't really a pet, but it's a hand-reared bird from a private collection in the UK so I couldn't enter it in the wildlife category,” explained the 30-year-old from Ellingham, near Bungay.

Mr Buck branched out on his own three years ago, having previously worked for professional studios. A keen surfer, he also specialises in dramatic surfing shots, his talent gaining national recognition at the same competition last year when he had two entries in the finals - a black and white study of a surfer at Cromer and a picture of a wedding couple strolling serenely along Lowestoft's south beach.

“I do a lot of wedding photos and I got an award for excellence in a different category, and was runner up in the licentiate category,” he added.

Chairman of the judging panel, Simon John, said he was delighted with entries in this year's contest.

“There was a great diversity of imagery, and all were judged on the same criteria - artistic merit, good use of lighting, composition and print quality - all the winners were of a very high overall standard. Winning a BPP Award is a huge honour for any photographer and I hope each winner uses their award to help further their careers,” he said.

The awards are a joint initiative between the Master Photographers Association and the British Institute of Professional Photographers. Membership of the associations is restricted to full time professional photographers who must qualify to the minimum required licentiateship standard. Both organisations exist to promote and maintain standards of excellence and professionalism within the photographic industry.

t Mr Buck can be contacted on 07776 183 787 or 01508 518869, or email info@simonbuckphotography.com. He is also about to launch a new website www.simonbuckphotography.com