Photographer Judges

Along with the top-10 most popular images voted for by the public, we have a panel of judges made up of 5 professional photographers, our Sponsors and 5 Mums. The image with the most ‘likes’ receives 10 points, the 10th most popular image receives 1 point. This is repeated with the result from our 5 ‘Mum’ judges, ‘Sponsors’ and our 5 ‘professional photographer’ judges.

The scores are then collated and marked out of a total score of 40 points. The top 5 babies with the most points each will receive a £50 Boots voucher and entry into our Baby of the Year competition to win £2000!

Featured below are the Photographers on our judging panel:

Janet Young

After several winners and Top-10 Finalist images, I’m delighted to be chosen as a Baby of the Month judge. I’ve long admired the different styles and high standard of photography in past entries, and now to be given the chance to be part of the judging team is fantastic.

From my busy studio in Wadebridge (Cornwall), I’ve welcomed many babies, families and pets during my 45 years as a photographer. Photography has allowed me to connect with countless individuals and families, preserving their most treasured moments. I’m grateful for the trust my clients have placed in me over the years.

My top tip for a baby session: if you’re planning a special outfit for your little one, make sure it’s not too big so they’re comfortable during the experience.

Tom Hamling

It’s such a privilege to be asked to be a judge for Baby of the Month, and I cannot wait to see everyone’s images! I enjoy scrolling through the entries, appreciating the talented photographers, and I’m always on the lookout for inspiration for my own shoots!

I’ve been a full-time photographer since 2020 and joined Barrett & Coe in 2022 at the Norwich studio.

I spend my days photographing newborn babies, families and pets, and I consider myself very lucky to be the one to capture them and be responsible for creating memories they’ll be able to enjoy forever.

My top tip for a newborn session would be for the parents to get involved. Babies aren’t small for very long, and these images are really popular, not just with the parents, but when those babies grow up, they enjoy seeing what Mum & Dad used to look like too. Good luck everyone!

Jayne Hall

I feel so privileged to have been asked to join the panel of judges for Baby of the Month. Having spent over 35 years running a busy portrait studio in Wiltshire, capturing special moments for families, I’m truly looking forward to being involved with the judging process. With so many talented photographers taking part, I’m sure there will be many difficult decisions to be made!

TOP TIP: As a baby photographer, it’s always lovely when families bring along something that makes the photoshoot session even more personal to them – hand-knitted baby blankets and heirloom teddies are our favourites.

Emma Bell

I’m very excited to have been chosen as a Baby of the Month judge! I joined Barrett & Coe as a photographer back in 2020, and I now manage one of Barrett & Coe’s busiest studios! I have the privilege of photographing amazing families and babies on a daily basis, it truly is the best job.

I’m honoured to have had both winners and top-10 finalists in the competition over the last few years, and I’m excited to be able to help judge our future entrants. My best advice is to trust in your photographer, they will be able to guide you through your session and advise on outfits and items to bring along to get the most out of your experience.

Faye Collyer Rolls

What an honour it is to be selected as an Baby of the Month judge! The calibre and standard of photography is so high I know this is going to be a tough job!

I run a busy family portrait studio in Brighton and have a team of photographers here who work with, well anything you can imagine! We love photographing Maternity to New Born, Little Angels to Little Monsters! As a qualified member of the Master Photographers Association your photography session couldn’t be in better hands than with us!

We just love photographing people, especially little people, so it is a privilege to be working with Baby of the Month and Emma’s Diary along with many other baby photographers in the UK who are entering the competition! It’s really great for our customers and a buzz if you win – I should know, I won it several times since 2015!