A family photographer from St Albans has snapped her way to success.

Stephanie Belton, 40, came second in the Children, Family and Lifestyle Photographer of the Year competition run by the Guild of Photographers, one of UK's leading professional photographer associations.

Mrs Belton, said her style is quiet and intimate and she particularly enjoys photographing young babies, but also soulful classic portraits of older children.

Mrs Belton, of Hazelmere Road, said: "The competition has been such a roller coaster ride, Nina [the competition winner] and I have really been pushing each other, even though we are technically competitors, our styles are very different and both benefit hugely from helping each other out.

"I actually met Nina back in 2011 when she took part in my photography course in St Albans so I am especially proud to see how well she has done."