There is no sitting down now for a St Albans photographer after winning an international award.

Monir Ali, founder and principal photographer at Little Big Ego, was awarded Best Fashion Photographer at the annual Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion, Television and Arts Awards.

The awards ceremony, held at Westminster Hall in London, aims at honouring the best in entertainment, showbiz, leadership and sports personalities in the UK, and Mr Ali was shocked to have come out top with the competition standard being so high.

He said: “I was nominated for my work in fashion photography by one of the modelling agencies I’ve done work for.

“I’ve been a full time photographer for seven years and studied it at university in Southampton.

“I was shocked to have won the award because there was such a high standard but I’m over the moon to have won it.

“It’s been a hectic year, for us, and it feels great to be recognised for the work we do, and the creativity and long hours we put in to it.”

Mr Ali operates his photography business in two parts and focuses on commercial, editorial and fashion assignments.

He said: “The award, will constantly remind me of what I have to do to succeed, and would like to thank all our clients, for their unconditional support in our work, and to our friends and families for their continued encouragement”.

Mr Ali could not attend the award ceremony as he was working, but Syed Akhtar, of PDM Agency, collected the award on his behalf.

Mr Ali added: “There's no sitting down now, though we need to maintain the high level of work our clients are accustomed to".