A TERRINGTON photographer has received a top accolade in a national photography competition.

Julie Cowdy, former head of art at Norton College, was awarded the Associate of The Royal Photographic Society after submitting a portfolio under the category of Fine Art.

On the theme of Fruits of the Earth, the 15 images took Julie over a year to complete and featured compositions of fruits, flowers and vegetables.

Julie decided to channel her creativity into photography after health issues forced her to leave teaching in 2002.

She has been a member of Kirkbymoorside & District Camera Club for seven years, and in March 2019, held a solo exhibition at Helmsley Arts Centre.

“I’ve always loved pushing photography further, so I combined studies of botanical specimens with textures and antiqued papers,” said Julie.

“There’s a nod to the illustrated plates in botanical books of old.”

The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) was founded in 1853 with the objective of making the art and science of photography more widely available.

The society is both a charity and a membership organisation with more than 11,600 members worldwide.

The RPS Award is an annual celebration judged by senior members of the society and features 15 categories such as art, science, education, film and publishing.

John Grimshaw, director of The Yorkshire Arboretum, has also announced the opportunity to view Julie’s portfolio in March.

“We are delighted to hopefully host an exhibition of Julie’s work,” he said.

“Julie and her partner Roger have been supporters of the arboretum for many years, and their passion for the place continues to humble and inspire us.

“This exhibition of Julie’s work will be an apt way to kick off the 2021 season, with the opening of the Tree Health Centre and spring events programme marking the beginning of what we hope to be a brighter season.”

For more information, visit Julie Cowdy Photography on Facebook.