A SALTCOATS woman has expressed her delight after being nominated for a prestigious award.

Emma Sanderson of Emma Sanderson Photography is one of the finalists in the Photographer of the Year category at the sixth annual Scottish Wedding Awards.

Emma, 37, is one of very few photographers to hold a Licentiateship with both the Masters Photography Association (MPA) and The British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP).

She told the Herald: “I was absolutely shocked to hear I was a finalist in the Photographer of the Year category. I didn’t even know the awards were getting announced and had no idea that my clients had voted for me.

“I am delighted that my clients have taken the time to vote for me. It’s an honour to be asked to photograph someone’s special day, to capture their memories forever. And then for my clients to nominate me for Photographer of the Year is a very special moment in my career.”

Emma started off in West Kilbride and works all over the country photographing couples on their big days. This is a first for Emma who will head to the awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow on February 26.

She added: “I have never been nominated for any type of award like this. To be honest I don’t push awards. Just to know my clients are happy with my work is all I could ever ask for.

“To receive this nomination has been the icing on the cake of a wonderful 2017.”

Emma also said: “I would like to thank each and every one of my clients.

“I would also like a special thank you to my mum, Linda. For the past 14 years she has assisted me at weddings and wedding fayres and supported me with fulfilling my dream to be the best wedding photographer I can be.

“She doesn’t take photographs… she’s there to arrange groups and fluff the dress. A very important job!

“A final thank you to my dad Douglas, husband David and my little girl Charlotte. ”