A STUDENT from Blaenau Gwent has picked up an award at the Welsh Photographic Federation Welsh Salon competition.

Samuel Warr, 17, who is studying A-Level photography at Coleg Gwent’s Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone campus, impressed judges with his portrait photograph ‘The Victorian Gentleman’ to win the under-25 category.

Sam, from Blaina, has been taking photographs for eight years and said his biggest interests in photography are nature, aircrafts and portrait figures.

Influenced by the style of his favourite photographer, David Bailey, Sam captured a striking image of a man in Victorian clothing.

“I chose the gentleman because of his facial expression, the composition of him glancing out of the window in his Victorian style clothing,”

he said. “I thought it would make a good portrait shot. I’m very happy to have won.

“The Welsh Photographic Federation are the top photography body in Wales, so to have my work recognised by them is something I’m really proud of.”

Andrew Richards, photography lecturer at Coleg Gwent described Sam as a talented young photographer.

“By continuing to push himself, Sam will continue to make photographic work that has aesthetic and historical value,” he said.

“During his first year at the college, he has demonstrated the technical skills necessary to become a professional photographer one day and this award win is just the start for him.”

Sam hopes to go on to study photography at university in Newport.