Top fashion model from Cookstown making waves as a photographer

Collette O'Neill has worked for over a decade in the fashion industry, regularly featuring on billboards, magazines and newspapers, but she's now building a strong reputation as an up-and-coming photographer.

A well known and respected figure in the local modelling industry, the Cookstown native is now based in East Belfast.

And after a couple of years working from a small studio in Stranmillis, mother-of-two Collette has opened her new photographic studio in Belmont, east Belfast.

She already has a wide range of clients - from corporate organisations, PR companies through to fashion and families and her portfolio of work is expanding all the time.

But her start in the industry is never far from her heart.

"I still enjoy modelling," she said.

"It has taught me so much and I always took an interest in what the photographers and camera crews wanted. I love photography. It gives me a window on the world and a unique opportunity to record the diverse culture that is all around us. I was lucky enough to work with some very talented people over the years.

"Belmont is a great location for my new studio. It's a vibrant, up and coming village community, with great people and a wonderful spirit all of its own. There are lots of independent businesses in the area and it is amazing to be part of that community at such an exciting time.

"I still enjoy modelling, but the future will be about photography and building a solid business."

You can contact Collette at www.collettecreative.com or on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/collettecreative