TEENAGE PHOTOGRAPHER HITS THE BIG TIME
A FARMER’S son from Witton-le-Wear whose ambition it is to be a Royal Photographer has had his
dream realised far sooner than he expected.
16-year-old Lewis Langstaff-Wood, a pupil at St John’s RC Comprehensive School, Bishop Auckland
and currently sitting his GCSE exams, has been signed up by an international photography agency.
He has a passion for the Monarchy and attends Royal events around the country, aided and
accompanied by his mother, Laura.
Inspired by the collection of Royal memorabilia owned by nearby farmer’s wife, Anita Atkinson,
Lewis began his own collection a few years ago but it is his interest in taking and posting
photographs of the Royal Family on his social media accounts that has found favour with Alamy.
Lewis is very excited about the prospect of achieving his career ambition of joining the exclusive
ranks of Royal Photographers.
“I am really excited about becoming a contributor for Alamy Images,” he said. “Having passed
their quality control, I was given a contract to produce ‘live’ images of The King and Queen’s visit to
Durham Cathedral recently.
“This means that my photographs can now be seen on a wider scale and further my career
plans.”
Alamy Limited is a British privately owned stock photography agency launched in September
- It is an online supplier of stock images , videos, and other image material. Their content comes
from agencies and independent photographers, or are collected from news archives, museums,
national collections, and public domain content.
Lewis’ parents, Laura and Graeme, support their son in his career choice and help all they can.
Laura said, “Lewis is determined to become a professional Royal Photographer and has worked
hard both taking photographs and contacting other photographers on the Royal scene.
“It proved impossible, however, to secure any work experience with any of them – with anyone
at all in fact – but he has been given assignments by The Weardale Gazette, which is a good start.”
Laura has taken Lewis to London for Royal events and he has sent some of the photographs he
has taken to Queen Camilla, who has acknowledged them in her own handwriting. At last month’s
Maundy Day Service in Durham Cathedral, Laura managed to get Lewis into the city before 6am,
where they waited six hours to see the Royal couple.
Lewis took some fantastic pictures and managed to speak to both the King and Queen with the
latter recognising him! Queen Camilla sent him a letter after the event, saying how much she
enjoyed meeting him at last.
The young photographer has been to other, non-Royal events, including the recent Whitby
Goth weekend and toured local VE Day events to record proceedings with his camera. He enjoys
nothing more than clicking away, recording history in the making.
Good luck in your endeavours, Lewis!
