Pictured above: Abby Wilkes, awarding winning photographer

A mother to two has become the West Midlands Portrait Photographer of the Year for the third successive year.

Abby Wilkes took up photography only five years ago after she was given her first high-tech camera as a Christmas present from her husband.

Abby, who comes from Arnhem in Holland, but now lives in Shirley, Solihull,   moved to England after meeting husband Chris 16 years ago. Last year she also won the Licentiate Portrait Award and Pet Photography Category, presented by the Master Photographers Association.

She won the portrait award for her entry in the Under 5's category - a stunning picture of Amy, who is two years old.

The 46-year-old said: "I have always had a passion for  photography and capture the essence of my subject's personality as they are in life."

She started by taking holiday pictures of her own children Jack, 12 and Jiska, 10.

Abby added: "Friends admired my work and then renowned photographer Annabel Williams saw some of my images and told me I had great potential.

"It was the boost I needed and her kind words gave me the confidence and inspiration to have a go at making a career of it."

Abby has now turned her hobby into a high-end photography business from home, specialising in portraits using only natural light. Through these images she weaves her art to create memories; they are relaxed, full of life and unique. 

She is now working towards her associate level in photography - the second tier of expertise. She hopes to reach the highest level and become a fellow in photography in the next few years.

To celebrate her achievements Abby is offering customers a £20 discount off her regular studio sitting of £125.