A NORTH East photographer, whose clients range from international blue chip companies to local SMEs, has swept the board at the British Institute of Professional Photographers awards.

Eric Murphy, who is based in a 3,000sq ft digital studio at the Ouseburn, in Newcastle, landed first, second and third places as well as the coveted North East commercial photographer of the year at the regional event.

His business, Eric Murphy Photographers, employs three staff and shoots for its clients both on location or in the studio, in the UK or abroad.

With over 20 years’ experience in advertising, commercial and fashion photography, Murphy’s clients include one of the world’s biggest flooring companies, Tarkett, and Cramlington-based plastic films manufacturer, Renolit.

This was the first time that Murphy had entered any of his images for the prestigious awards and he is now looking forward to them being judged on a national stage early next year.

“I wanted to differentiate myself from people just coming along and calling themselves photographers,” he said.

“By joining the institute I wanted some additional credibility and this national body has been around the longest.

“I never dreamed of doing so well at the awards ceremony last week, but we’ve got a great core team here in Newcastle and some of the best technology available at our fingertips.”

Murphy first discovered his flair for photography at Blackpool College before starting a 20-year-long career at a studio in Gateshead.

He has been running Eric Murphy Photographers for 10 years and has noticed some distinct changes in the industry over the past decade.