Basingstoke based photographer wins UK Commercial Photographer of the Year 2008 (BIPP/MPA)

Qualified MPA and BIPP members from around the world submitted images for the annual competition and only the very best were short-listed. The first award won was an ‘Award of Excellence for Commercial/Advertising’, the second was a ‘Blue Ribbon Award for the most unusual image’ and the third was the highly commended ‘UK Commercial Photographer of the Year 2008’. This marks a determined come back for the esteemed photographer who, unbeknown to the judging panel, was the victim of a violent assault back in June 2007 which left the father of two fighting for his life in a coma. Directly after the Awards ceremony Stuart had this to say: “I am delighted and overwhelmed with the recognition of my work. I missed out in 2007 following my success in 2006, but I was back on form for 2008. Most of all I am thankful to my family and friends and those involved with my care at Basingstoke North Hampshire and Bath Neuro hospitals. I am more determined than ever now to pursue my life to the full and as a result am starting up my own photography business.” View Stuart’s award-winning photography portfolio at www.sfreeman.co.uk