Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
AWARD-WINNING photographer Sophie Middleton is focusing on a new double challenge - motherhood and launching her own business.
GulfWeekly's former chief photographer covered countless news, leisure and industrial assignments for the newspaper and came face-to-face with global personalities such as designer Ivana Trump and Formula One driver Felipe Massa.
Now marriage to real estate executive Jason, caring for their six-month-old son, Tye, and running her own business are all part of life's daily challenges.
She said: "It's all very exciting. I love my son and feel he has brought new life in me. He keeps me active. While my photography did slow down before and after he was born, it did not stop. In fact, it motivated me further and I was raring to get back behind the lens."
The 29-year-old graduated with a graphic design degree from the UK's Surrey Institute of Art and Design. She said: "All I can say is that I did not find photography, it found me. I aimed to become the best graphic designer there was. However, when my teachers encouraged me to use photography instead of type I began to realise its potential as well as my own.
"It wasn't until I came back to Bahrain that I decided I did not want to stay cooped up in an office all day working on a computer screen."
She started taking images of her family and events around the island after being given a camera as a gift and fell in love with the art of photography.
Sophie, who lives in Amwaj Islands, started freelance work and later joined GulfWeekly and believes the experiences were invaluable.
"Many photographers specialise in one subject area but I wanted to experience everything and can now say that I am able to adapt to absolutely anything thrown my way."
After gaining seven years of experience behind the lens Sophie recently made headlines for being judged overall country winner for Bahrain in Canon Middle East's recent regional photography competition.
The camera manufacturer's 'Celebrating My City' contest featured more than 70 entries from Bahrain with Sophie securing top spot for her photograph entitled 'Muharraq'.
David Bell, a member of its judging panel, said: "The script and wall colour contrasting beautifully with the child on the bike gave us scale and an anchor point - the result was an amazing and impactful image."
Winning the accolade gave Sophie the incentive she needed to set up HD (Hilal Digital) Photography. She said: "My family has given me the drive and support I needed to finally start this business. I am blessed and feel that family life is going great so why not focus on my career.
"I also wanted to do something that I love and aside from my boy there is nothing I love more than taking a good picture and seeing the smile on a subject's face when they are thrilled with the outcome."
Through HD Photography, Sophie will be covering a full range of assignments including industrial, corporate, family photography, fashion and events. She is also experiencing huge demand for covering weddings too.
When asked what makes a good photographer, Sophie said: "Patience, discipline and an open mind. You need to think outside the box at times to capture that winning picture.
"Anyone can take a picture nowadays but there is a huge difference between just taking one and consistently taking a good one. Imagine being at a fashion shoot for the whole day and only taking one good picture. That just doesn't cut it.
"There are many great photographers in Bahrain and I believe there are also many hidden talents out there. I encourage those who have a flair for photography to take it up, join some courses and see where that leads you.
"Who knew photography would be my creative outlet? Like I said, I didn't find photography ... it found me."
HD Photography can be contacted on 36614558.
