BUSINESSES in Bridport have helped a talented photographer secure a prestigious qualification.

Kevin Wilson has been awarded an unprecedented fifth Fellowship with the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP).

The qualification in editorial photography has been gained for his portrayal of local businesses in Bridport.

It accompanies his previous Fellowship achievements in portrait, wedding and documentary photography.

Mr Wilson, a wedding and portrait photographer of 30 years, said he is ‘thrilled’ that his photographs taken in the Dorset town helped him to gain such a respected qualification.

He added: “Prior to being assessed I had all the feelings and anticipation of an expectant father – one having quintuplets.

“Naturally I am thrilled and very proud as the BIPP is the most respected qualifications system.”

Businesses included Snooks, Smith & Smith, The Electric Palace and many others.

He said: “Me and my wife decided to visit Bridport for the day and I fell in love with the town so I came back and took many photos with a total of 25 people in from the area.

“There is nowhere else like it and I just want to thank everyone who appeared in the photos – I am really grateful.”

The talented snapper is considered one of Europe’s leaders in wedding and portrait photography.

He also dedicates much of his spare time to the BIPP with mentoring and assessing of emerging talent and also holding talks and training workshops.

BIPP president Roy Meiklejon said: “BIPP qualifications are among the most rigorous in the world. 

“As the qualifying body of professional photography in the UK, BIPP requires any photographer going for qualification to follow strict criteria and provide a substantial portfolio of commissioned work, together with supporting information about themselves as a professional.”

Mr Wilson has the rare distinction of Fellowship in all three major photographic bodies including the BIPP, The Master Photographers Association (MPA) and the Royal Photographic Society (RPS).