A YOUNG Barnsley photographer is celebrating after winning a national award.

Callam Baker, 22, from Stairfoot, won Unidays Student Photographer of the Year Award 2024 for the Best In Action Shot.

Callam first became interested in photography when he was in Year 7 at Barnsley Academy and went on to study GCSE photography before gaining a diploma at Barnsley College. He has recently gained his degree at the University of Lincoln.

Callam’s winning shot features his cousin Jack and Callam says of his winning submission: “The image is from my university third year project called Jackie Chaz: The Barnsley Brawler which was about my cousin, Jack, and his kickboxing career.

“When I take images of Jack, I feel proud as he is not only fighting for himself and his team but he is also fighting for his family… While taking images of Jack in the ring, I get an adrenaline rush because of how you want your family to come out on top or at the very least, not get knocked out.”

Callam went to London for the awards ceremony but learned the night before that he had won.

“I was really excited and rang to tell my parents. My mum and dad and even my little sister Tia were over the moon. They were literally screaming down the phone.”

Callam plans to pursue his photography as a career and his ambition is to join the RAF as a photographer.

Caption: Callam is pictured with his award-winning image.