An image of Boarshurst Band's principal cornet player Ryan Ashley has helped a professional photographer to be named as one of the UK's top 200 lensmen in the UK.

Brass and Glass

Phil Melia, a professional photographer for more than 25 years, gained the accolade for a book he produced entitled, 'Brass and Glass', in the prestigious 2020 Portrait of Britain competition.

Based in Manchester he told 4BR: "It represents recognition both by a distinguished panel of judges and by the public of skills honed over decades. This award does mean a lot to me."

His winning portrait of Ryan was part of a project that he carried out to celebrate the band's 165th anniversary.

"I wanted to create portraits of all the band members so their children and grandchildren could see them as part of their family history,"he explained.

"I used an old Leica camera which also includes elements of brass in its design, so it seemed very appropriate."

British Journal of Photography

The prestigious contest is run by the British Journal of Photography in partnership with outdoor advertising giants JCDecaux. Its aim is to celebrate the rich tapestry of Britain by turning individual stories into public art via electronic displays on the country's bus shelters.

There will also be a book of the winning photos out next month.

Phil's portfolio of commercial work, which includes evocative portraits of industrial landscapes and visual storytelling can be seen around the world.

Phil's portfolio of commercial work, which includes evocative portraits of industrial landscapes and visual storytelling can be seen around the world4BR

Huge impact

He has an MA in International Documentary and Photojournalism Photography and is an accredited Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photography.

Now, though, he is looking forward to seeing his award-winning image of Ryan in public much closer to home.

He commented: "I can't wait to see it on a local bus shelter — it's sure to make a huge impact on local travellers."