Barrowford photographer who snapped up prestigious prize in search for mysterious subject

Phil Hargreaves, who owns a specialist dog photography business in Higherford Mill, won in the Open portrait category at The Xperience Group awards ceremony recently.

However, he now wants to trace the subject of his stunning photo, taken on the street at a Steampunk festival in Haworth, who has won a beautiful wall portrait of their image worth more than £500.

Phil said: "This competition features some of the best professional portrait photographers in the UK and the standard of entries is very high, therefore I’m humbled and proud to have been chosen as one of the winners.

"My business is primarily photographing dogs, which I love, but I also still enjoy people photography in my spate time, especially if the subject is as interesting looking as the lady in my winning image. I am looking forward to finding out her name so I can present her with her lovely framed portrait!"

Xperience chief trainer Mark Cleghorn, developed the awards in 2014 to challenge members of The Xperience Group, made up of more than 100 photographic studios from across the UK and Ireland to make the photographers ‘step outside their comfort zones and get even more creative every day.

Mr Cleghorn said: “Phil’s winning portrait was unanimous with the judging panel, the portrait featured a dynamic monochrome with dramatic lighting, no matter how much you look at it, you go back for more as it’s so haunting."

If you are the mystery lady in the photograph you can contact Phil on 07540 969879 or email [email protected].