A WEDDING photographer who captures the special moments during couples' big day has been named the winner of a prestigious regional award.

Andy Griffiths, from Rainford, was thrilled to be named the winner for the North West region of The Wedding Industry Awards.

Andy went up on to the stage stage to claim the gong after being revealed as the winner at the awards ceremony, which took place at the Bowdon Rooms in Altrincham on Tuesday, January 11.

"It's great recognition because it's voted for by the couples," said Andy, 37.

"It goes to the judges who decide the best out of what the couples have said about the quality of your work.

"They went through the different categories and it was up on stage and then an interview afterwards about what it felt like."

 

Andy Griffiths with his award

Andy Griffiths with his award

 

Andy, from Rainford, specialises in 'documentary photography' meaning other than a couple of staged photographs of the happy couple, his photographs capture real moments from throughout the wedding celebrations.

 

Picture: Andy Griffiths Photography

Picture: Andy Griffiths Photography

 

He believes the gong is partly down to how his communication with couples during the uncertainty of the lockdown periods.

"Last year and 2020 were lost for the business and I think it's testament to the way I went about running the business," Andy said.

"I was open about things and people could see when I was free and when I wasn't free and was supportive as I could be at a time that was pretty bad.

"I just took the approach that I wasn't going to charge any more and be as open and flexible as I could be, that included me cancelling holidays, trips and all sorts."

 

Picture: Andy Griffiths Photography

Picture: Andy Griffiths Photography

 

Dad-of-one Andy used to work for the charity Shelter, and his love of photography was a hobby, with him taking pictures in his spare time.

Andy used to live in Australia and America, would often go out on mornings and take photographs of the scenery and people.

It was only after friends asked him to take pictures at their wedding that he decided to take the leap and made wedding photography his full-time career.

In 2013, after returning to the country, he set up Andy Griffiths Photography.

 

Picture: Andy Griffiths Photography

Picture: Andy Griffiths Photography

 

He has previously been named one of 100 top photographers in the World and also in the Top 10 in the UK.

Andy is now looking forward to the TWIA National Awards event which take place at The Underglobe, under Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London on Wednesday, February 23.

"It should be a good night, I'll go along and see what happens."