Arts University Plymouth student wins top photography award

Shelby Nolan-Hoare, 22, won the People's Choice Winner in the fashion category

A young photographer from Devon has been recognised with a top industry award.

Shelby Nolan-Hoare, 22, won the People's Choice Winner in the fashion category at this year's British Photography Awards.

A commercial photography student at Arts University Plymouth, Ms Nolan-Hoare saw her photo 'Doll's House' selected from a list of 25 nominations.

The picture was part of her final project, Liminal Space.

It used clothing, prop and set design to discuss themes of nostalgia and illusion.

The ceremony was organised by a team of British photographers, who run a series of online and live events and an annual black-tie gala.

'Opportunity of a lifetime'

Ms Nolan-Hoare told BBC Radio Devon that receiving the award had been "incredible, the opportunity of a lifetime".

• LISTEN: Shelby speaks to BBC Radio Devon

She added: "The competition is so competitive, with thousands who enter every year. I thought, I might as well just have a go and see what happens.

'Dolls House' by Shelby Nolan-Hoare (Fashion by Molly Adlington)

Originally getting into photography at the age of 17, Ms Nolan-Hoare had previously "tried art and design as a BTEC", but realised her real interest was with taking photos.

Talking on the subject of her confidence, she said: "I was very quiet and shy but knew I had a lot of creative ideas.

"I try to wear colourful clothes, and love being a bit 'out of the box'. That's makes me different, and makes my images stand out from the rest."