A Leicestershire photographer was recently given the honour of photographing the current Miss England at his studio in Kibworth – an experience which he labelled an “absolute pleasure.”
Aerospace engineering student and the first redhead to become Miss England, Jessica Gagen, ventured down the country from the North West for a glamorous photoshoot with award winning commercial and portrait photographer Stu Williamson recently.
Based at his studio in Kibworth, Stu has worked with the Miss England contest on several occasions previously, even being a judge on the panel in 2021.
For more than 30 years, he has been at the forefront of creative portrait photography.
He said it was a pleasure to photograph Jessica, who has modelled for well known brands such as Max Mara, and Asos.
“Apart from being a beautiful woman, it certainly helped when Jessica knew how to move for the camera, which in turn helps the photographer create beautiful, flowing images,” he said of the experience.
“I’ve always said it is a combination of the model interpreting what the photographer is trying to capture, and Jessica understood it perfectly.”
Asked about her experience of working with Stu, Jessica said: “I’ve a lot of experience in the industry and it’s easy to tell that Stu does also. He’d thought of everything possible to keep me comfortable – including a heater on set! Big thank you to Stu. I’m excited to see the images!”
The regional contest, Miss Leicestershire for Miss England will be held during 2023 and anyone interested in entering should apply on the Miss England website www.missengland.info
Tia Carter, who won the Talent round in Miss England 2021 has held the title since 2020 when she became Miss England’s first virtual winner during the pandemic.