A WINCHESTER teenager has been named Britain’s best young fashion photographer.

Theo Williams has been crowned Young Fashion Photographer of the Year after leaving school at 17 to follow his dream.

Now 18, he commutes to the capital from the family home in St Faiths Road, St Cross, shooting fashion and weddings to cover travel costs.

His stylish portfolio won him Young Fashion Photographer of the Year at star-studded catwalk convention Clothes Show Live.

“It’s a real privilege to do be able to do photography as my life,” he said.

“I remember the first time I picked up a camera. It wasn’t mine, it was my mate’s camera. I spent so much time at his house!”

Theo’s only formal training was at Kings’ School, where he got full marks in GCSE photography, but his career path has been in the frame since the age of 12.

Zoe Churcher, the school’s head of art, said Theo would “amaze” staff with his fashion shoots and independent mind.

“We were absolutely staggered by his ability,” she said. “He was absolutely brilliant right from the first year.

“It was his independence, his ability to go off and arrange his own fashion shoots. He was such a lovely lad.”

He earnt £1,000 for his efforts at Clothes Show Live, but it was priceless industry contacts which proved the real prize.

Off the back of his win, Theo has been invited to lecture students at major publishing house Condé Naste. He is now looking to move to the capital permanently.

He said: “One day I hope to be signed to a proper agency and working regularly in London.

“Until then I’m going to have to just work really hard, but that’s okay, because it’s what I love.”