Around March time, I received an email saying that I had been shortlisted for the Astonomy Photographer Of The Year Awards 2025. I was over the moon when I received the email as it was something that I thought would never happen.
After a few more emails, Royal Museums Greenwich asked if I could make a film with the museum, at first I wasn't going to do it, but around the same time one of my uncle's suddenly died, so this was my motivation in saying yes as I thought I may never have this chance in my life again and to do things I wouldn't normally do.
I agreed and a great guy called Max came up to the house, we did some filming around the house and then we went to the windmill where I took my shot, did some more filming there, even though the film is only 90 seconds long, we were filming most of the day, after seeing the film, I have to say it's way better than whatever I could think of, Max has done a fantastic job on the film.
So last week, we got invited to a private showing of the gallery, I couldn't say no to this, hence why I was in London, I have to say this was the best night of my life.
It was very posh to say the least, but I met some fantastic photographers, and I even got a selfie with Paddy Rodgers, the man who runs Royal Museums Greenwich.
I was in my element, we even had champagne and cocktails there, but most of all I couldn't believe how far I'd come along with my photography, I didn't even think I'd get short listed, but to have a film made and my picture on display in the National Maritime Museum is a dream come true.
I have to admit, there are some absolutely fantastic shots in the gallery and I highly recommend anyone who has an interest in space going to have a look at the gallery, I'm hoping to go back down next year before the gallery ends in September 2026.
Even though I didn't win any prizes, it did feel like I'd won, I can't thank Royal Museums Greenwich enough for this wonderful opportunity, my picture along with winners and some other shortlisted entries are also printed in this years book too.
Now, I've got some shots planned to enter next years competition, just need clear skies and to get over my chest infection.
Thanks for reading,
All the best :-)