An award-winning photographer from the Borders has revealed how she only took up her art after friends liked the pictures she posted on social media.

Jennifer Charlton, from Duns, recently triumphed in the 2024 Scottish Portrait Awards.

She said the support from friends had helped her through a tough time and persuaded her to take her photography seriously.

Her picture of an outdoors swimmer - from a series on mental health has won her top honors.

Jennifer recently graduated with a first class honours degree in professional photography with Edinburgh College and Kingston University.

Mrs. McLean, a mum of three, fit in submissions of the course work to the national awards during her busy schedule juggling family commitments and several part-time jobs.

"I feel absolutely amazing," she said.

"I've been really lucky to be recognised by a few awards, but this one, the Scottish Portrait Awards, I never thought I could win.
"To have been shortlisted was amazing, but to be given first place is a huge shock; I can't quite believe it."
And she revealed how her ascent to award-winning photographer began by accident and with a kind gesture.

"One day I couldn't go to the gym and so took the dog out for a walk," she said.

So, I shot pictures of autumnal trees with my phone, published them on Facebook, and got this very surprising response, people saying they felt that I had an eye for photography.

And then a friend sent me some money I was going through a really difficult time in my life, and she said 'this is to put towards your first camera'.

It was then that she decided to take up photography properly.

"So, I bought a camera and it's actually her son John that's in the award-winning photo, so it feels like the whole thing has come full circle," said Jennifer.

"Without John's mum, I wouldn't be here." 

The winning picture of John reveals how deep into research Jennifer had delved into her series focusing on mental health, titled A Hidden Community.

He agreed to pose on a freezing cold morning in February to realize Jennifer's vision and other subjects have similarly taken time out to be exposed to the photographer's lens.
"It is not an easy thing to do," said Jennifer.
 
"It is vulnerable, so I have huge admiration for all the people who have worked with me.".

"The project brought me closer to people I knew, and I've met the most amazing people I didn't know.
 
And what became apparent was that anybody, in any circumstances, can be affected by mental health problems.
 
She is continuing the project now and is happy for anyone willing to work with her to get in touch.".

Jennifer's love of sport means she is often spotted at racing circuits, snapping bike racers, and ringside at some of the UK's highest-profile boxing matches.

She has photographed world champions Josh Taylor from East Lothian and Lewis Ritson from Newcastle, although she admits it can be quite a challenging environment for a woman.

"The professional photographers are almost entirely male, and they've been great with me, very supportive I have to say, but the abuse from crowds is incredible," she admitted.

"It's clear they don't believe that a woman should be taking photos - pretty sad, really.

"I've loved the sport, and getting to know boxers, and what they put themselves through, but, yes, it's tough working in that very man's world."

Now she hopes winning the award will earn her more paid commissions.

"There's a lot of competition in photography, but I love what I do and this has given me new confidence," she said.

"I'd love to work more for charities, and my long-term goal is to make this project large enough to sustain an exhibition."