A PROFESSIONAL photographer has snapped up a top award at a national competition for her picture of a young girl.

Tracey Clements of Wye Valley Studios in Caldicot was named the Welsh Under 5s portrait photographer of the year at the ‘Master Photographer Association – Welsh Region’s’ awards day in Porthcawl.

Her portrait of  little Sophia Herbert from Caldicot caught the atention of the MPA’s president and judge Richard Bradbury, who told her it was “a beautiful image”.

She was also awarded a merit in the pet photographer category for her photograph of her son Mathew’s dog Reggie, a Cockapoo spaniel and poodle cross.

The photography studios, which were opened by her father in 1949, are one of Caldicot’s longest-running businesses, and they will be celebrating the 70th anniversary next year, with Tracey currently working alongside her brother Nick House and son Mathew.

Tracey, who has a long line of awards to her name, said: “Winning the Under 5s category was a really nice surprise.”

And she said of her pet pic merit: “Reggie’s quite a celebrity in Caldicot.

“He’s often in the shop with my son, so he’s used to being in the limelight.”

The prize-winning prints will now be submitted for the national UK awards in October.

Mathew said the photograph of little Sophie was simply “gorgeous” and they were “very proud” of his mother’s success.

“She does work so hard for these awards and it’s so lovely when all that work pays off. Well done Mum,” he said.