Its not childs play

FOR Annie Jones, being able to tell the story of someone else's life through photographs is a dream come true.

And there is no doubting the Peregian-based photographer is very good at it.

So good, the Funky Photography business owner recently caught the attention of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers, taking second place in its International Image Competition.

With her main loves revolving around documenting moments in the lives of children, teenagers, parents and families, it's no great surprise her photo of a 17-year-old aspiring singer and songwriter was well received.

A mother of three, Mrs Jones said photography had been in her blood since she picked up her first camera.

"Every photographer has a story," she said.

"You simply don't go into your nearest camera store, buy a $4000 camera and decide to make money out of it.

"You pick up a camera for a reason: to document your life, your child's life or that of your friends."

Her winning photo was shot in the early morning, one of the most difficult times of the day.

After getting up at 4.30am, she had just 20 minutes to work her magic with the shoot.

Mrs Jones can now qualify as a finalist in the association's photographer of the year award, to be announced next year.

- EMILY HAYNES