POPULAR LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER SNAPS UP PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD

A local photographer is celebrating after his work received national acclaim by winning a prestigious industry award.

Photographer Stephen Cain who specialises in photographing arts events including theatre, live music and dance across Chester and North Wales as well as providing headshots for local actors, won the award for the best photograph in the "Venues" Category at the prestigious 2026 Event Photography Awards, held recently at Central Hall Westminster in London. 

Stephen's winning entry, "Pavarotti's Place" was taken at the stunning Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni Opera Theatre in Modena, Italy. Stephen was there to photograph a concert to celebrate what would have been Pavarotti’s 90th birthday. The Fron Male Voice Choir also attended and sang at the concert paying tribute to the late tenor, who credited his 1955 visit to Llangollen International Eisteddfod as the inspiration for his singing career.

Stephen, from Wrexham, was presented with his award at the glittering awards ceremony by Sarah Franczak, the Chief Operating Officer of award sponsors Central Hall Westminster. 

Founded in 2014 by Philip Atkins, CEO of event and staffing agency Off To Work, the Event Photography Awards were created to celebrate the (often unsung) photographers who contribute so much to the validity and marketability of the events industry. Now in its twelfth year, the competition is open to both Professional and Amateur Photographers with awards in some eighteen core categories including Venues, Music Events, Concerts and Performers, Behind the Scenes, Food and Drink, Corporate Events and Conferences, Cultural Events, Weddings and A-listers. This year's competition attracted over 2.300 entries from over 20 countries.

Speaking about being inspired to capture the award winning image, Stephen Cain said:

"Photographers are taught that images should tell a story. Pavarotti’s story is one of adversity, humility and hard work and a wonderful inspiration to us all to continue supporting the Performing Arts which delivers so much enjoyment and creativity."

Speaking about Stephen's work, Serena Belladelli of the Fondazione Luciano Pavarotti said:

"Thank you for your contribution in building wonderful memories of our event in Modena. I’m sure this was a gift that Maestro appreciated from up there."

Since developing his passion for photography and becoming an events photographer 15 years ago, Stephen has gone on to become a much sought after photographer both nationally and internationally. His work has been published by the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation, BBC, S4C, Sky Arts, Sir Karl Jenkins, Birmingham Royal Ballet and various Opera, Dance and Theatre companies. In addition to photographing live events, Stephen provides industry standard headshots for actors, performers and business professionals at his studio in Wrexham which he set up 7 years ago.

Full details of Stephen's work can be found via his website: 

www.stephencainphotography.co.uk

Pictured - Photographer Stephen Cain with his Event Photography Awards 2026 trophy.

Photo Credit - Event Photography Awards.