Ealing based portrait photographer, Chohee Courtois, has been honoured with a national photography award at this year's British Photography Awards in London.

Mrs. Courtois received the People's Choice Self Portrait Photography Award on 10 November at The Dorchester Hotel for work, "Mountain Before the Cut," a self-portrait taken prior to her lumpectomy.

A lumpectomy is surgery to remove cancerous tissue from the breast.

Describing the evening she received the award as "possibly one of the best nights" of her life, Mrs. Courtois said, "I was already over the moon to be shortlisted for the British Photography Awards; however, winning the People's Choice award left me beyond words."

Chohee Courtois holding her award at the 2023 British Photography Awards gala press wall (credit: Chohee Coutois).

Captured in her Acton studio with the aid of a tripod, Mrs. Courtois regards the award-winning photograph as "more than just a photo."

The photographer said: "Earlier this year, I faced the challenge of a breast cancer diagnosis along with other personal issues. This image was primarily to document my breast before surgery but also to symbolise the strength needed to overcome such a stressful period. It stands as a beacon of hope."

Chohee Courtois' 'Moutain Before the Cut' self portrait won her the People's Choice Award at the British Photograhy Awards 2023 (credit: Chohee Courtois).

She added: "I extend my love and support to everyone in difficult circumstances, and I am deeply thankful for the support I received during my own."

Mrs. Courtois intends to offer a limited number of prints of her award-winning image for sale, with proceeds going to a breast cancer charity. For details or to express interest, contact her here. 

The British Photography Awards is a prestigious competition that celebrates outstanding British photographic talent. Known for its diverse showcase of photographic work across various categories, the competition attracts thousands of entries annually. 

We want to provide Ealing with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.