A SNAPPER from Cirencester has celebrated her 10th year in business by hosting her first photography exhibition.

Kay Ransom showcased a decade of professional photography at the Barn Theatre last month to mark the key milestone.

The event, which took six months to organise, saw 140 people attend including the Mayor of Cirencester Joe Harris as well as Kay’s friends and family. It was held in conjunction with the monthly meeting of Cirencester Chamber of Commerce, which Kay belongs to.

“The last 10 years running Kay Ransom Photography have been a fantastic challenge,” said Kay, 35. “From the lows of nearly shutting up shop in the recession, to the highs of being flown to photoshoots in Amsterdam.

“Running your own business gives you so much freedom and satisfaction, I would recommend it to anyone. Who knows what the next 10 years will bring?”

Kay admitted that the main reason for her success so far was down to a very supportive family.

“I was only 25 when I started, so I was young to start out on my own,” she added. “I am very determined and prepared to put as many hours as it takes to make my customers happy and to keep up the momentum with my business profile.”

Earlier this year Kay, who works from her studio in North Cerney, launched a competition entitled “what I love about winter” inviting amateur photographers to send in their snaps from all over the country. At the end of this month she will announce the winner, and hopes to make her contest a regular occasion.

Last May she received the Cirencester Scene Creative Champions Award at the Cirencester Business Awards, thanks to her work with wakeboarding and water skiing firm WM Ski at Cotswold Country Park and Beach. Visit kayransom.com