Special Achievement Award

Dennis Orchard Master Photographer FSWPP (Hon) CrSWPP

Our Special Achievement Award, as in previous years, has been nominated by you, the members and trade. How do you describe this person? He lights up the room when he walks in, always makes you laugh…not always with what he says but sometimes with what he wears! Got nine lives! Famous for images that he didn’t take…

How did he start photography? He went to see the careers officer at his school at the age of 14 and when he asked him what he wanted to do he said “Photography”. He worked for Tony Stone stock library before they were taken over by Getty, and he also ran a transparency duplicating business specialising in reproducing transparencies of paintings for the art gallery business, which he run successful for many years. He ended up doing a wedding photography and found he really enjoyed it and he has judged all over the world.

He is also an incredible teacher, really passionate about what he does, and his passion is infectious. He has infinite patience, with a knack of giving constructive criticism, in such a way that is very helpful, but never hurtful. He has helped an inspired countless people over the years all over the world.

He is one of nicest, kindest and funniest men you will ever meet. Everybody who knows Dennis loves him, and Dennis has a unique way of making sure that everybody knows him.