SteelOrchid photographers' profiles

Profile

At SteelOrchid we have a passion for photography and for giving the best service to our customers. We have won many awards for our creative work both nationally and internationally and both Chris and Mike are in great demand as lecturers in the photographic community. We are based near Manchester and specialise in covering the North of England but we are also happy to travel to meet the needs of our clients.

Mike Lawrence DPAGB AFIAP
Mike has worked extensively in public relations and design, where he gained valuable experience in social and commercial photography. His photo-editing skills are second to none.

Christine Widdall BSc(Hons) DPAGB BPE3* AFIAP
Chris has many years experience working with people, in particular with young children. Her people skills together with a passion for photography have resulted in a unique, relaxed and natural style.

Using the latest technology from concept through capture to delivery, we work in different but complementary styles. We can work to a full brief or you can give us complete freedom to use our own creative talents. With our understanding of people and the effect of light, we create spontaneous pictures which bring out the best attributes of our subjects. Our friendly, informal and professional approach makes the photography fun, positive and successful for everyone involved.

Steel Orchid; Mike Lawrence and Chris Widdall receiving medals in Linz, Austria

Mike and Chris receiving gold medals at the Austrian Super Circuit International Awards in Linz 2004

Mike receiving award

Mike receiving 2nd place award in the Southport Open 2006

Chris with FIAP International Gold Medal,
Smethwick, January 2007

Awards 2008

It's been a good year!

Feb 2008:
Chris and Mike were both awarded AFIAP (Artiste de la Federation Internationale de l'Art Photographique)...see Blog and FIAP ...an award which takes five years of international competition successes to achieve.

March 2008:
Chris achieved the Bristish Photographic Exhibitions 3 Crown award.

Chris also received a PAGB Gold Medal in the UK National Competition, Photo2008.net. Mike won a selector's medal in the same salon.

Mike Awarded selector's medal in the Welsh Projected Image competition.

Mike's portrait work also gained him " Honorable Mention" awards in The VOAV International Salon in Austria and the international 2008 "Tropical Image" salon in the USA.

April 08:
Chris was awarded a Salon Gold Medal in the Aqueducte International Biennial in Spain, colour prints section, with a still-life fine art photograph.
Full results here

Mike was awarded Scottish Salon Gold Medal.
Chris gained a Judge's Award and an Honorable Mention in the same salon.

May 2008:
Chris was awarded 3rd place in the L&CPU Annual Awards (Monochrome Prints) and Mike received two commendations.
Also in May, Chris was awarded an International Bronze Medal in the Trierenberg Austrian Supercircuit Colour Prints section.

Aug 2008:
Two commendations were awarded to Mike in the Beyond Group first National Digital Imaging Competition.

Also in August, Christine received a Judge's Award (Judith Parry Award) in the Great Barr National Exhibition, Colour Prints section

October 2008:
Christine was awarded the PSA Bronze Medal for Best Creative Print and also a Certificate of Merit in Monochrome and a Certificate of Merit in Colour Prints in this FIAP/PSA approved International Exhibtition

November
Chris was awarded a Ribbon in Monochrome prints and a Commended Certificate in Colour Prints in the Bromsgrove National Salon.

Medals2008

Chris and Mike with Photo2008 awards

Updated August 2008