Ian Longthorne

I’m the staff photographer for Baylis Media, who publish the Maidenhead Advertiser and the Windsor and Slough Express.

I have worked for them for 14 years and before that as a freelance press photographer covering news in the Thames Valley. My entry includes work from the Maidenhead Advertiser since August 2021 up to September 2022. The photo of Olympian Tom Dean is of his homecoming back in Maidenhead after winning 2 gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics. He received a hero’s welcome after his double win in the 200m freestyle and the team 4x200m. A surprise party awaited him from family and friends. The photo tries to catch his surprise and the atmosphere at being congratulated by his Mum and many locals. I visited the Maidenhead Mosque to photograph a feature. The community returned to the Mosque for Ramadan, following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions and to celebrate Eid. The photo captures a worshipper during morning prayers. It was taken in the Mosque with the early light falling on his face. It was described as a time for Muslims to both reconnect with their faith and reach a higher spiritual level. The most recent photo is of the funeral procession of Queen Elizabeth II photographed within the grounds of Windsor Castle. I stood on the Guards Room Roof overlooking the Quadrangle and photographed the Queens final journey to be laid to rest in St George’s Chapel. I felt a privilege to be able to witness this part of the funeral. The Queen spent much of her time in Windsor and I have photographed her a number of times at local events. The procession was joined by members of the Royal Family with a ceremonial guard of honour and surrounded by a floral tribute. The photo was shot specifically for the front page wrap.