A PHOTOGRAPHER is on quest to crown the man with the best beard in Manningtree following a fundraising photoshoot.
Clair Brady, a 39-year-old photographer, decided to hold a fundraising event she called ‘Bearded Men of Manningtree’ in aid of the men’s health charity Movemeber UK.
Clair, from the town, spread the word about her fundraiser on her social media accounts in a bid to get bearded men from the area involved.
She then rounded up 12 brave bearded men to the Estuary Wine Bar, in Manningtree, to have their photographs taken by her.
The event raised more than £100 through donations on the day for Movember UK and a themed cocktail was available called the ‘Hipster Beard’ with £1 from each cocktail also going to the charity.
Clair, who moved to Manningtree from Kent three years ago, said she came up with the concept for the fundraiser.
She said: “I am a fulltime photographer and enjoy doing regular charity events.
“I recently did a charity photoshoot of dogs to raise money for the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund and raised about £500.
“This time, I thought I wanted to do something more local, where I live.
“I live in Manningtree and wanted to do something which was community-based.”
With November marking Movember - where men often grow their beards for Movember UK - Clair saw an article about a national beard competition and wanted to create something similar.
“I went to Estuary Wine Bar which kindly said I could take the pictures of the men who wanted to be involved there,” she added.
The bearded residents involved in Clair’s fundraiser all donated to Movember UK.
- Photographer - Clair Brady
Clair, who previously worked as a dog trainer, is now calling on the public to select the best beard in Manningtree.
Clair said: “The winner receives a bottle of wine, courtesy of Winyl, beard grooming products, a professional print of their portrait and of course the sought after accolade of ‘Best Beard in Manningtree’.”
The closing date for voting is December 24.
The images are now on Facebook for users to place their vote at facebook.com/fathenphotography.
The winner will be announced via the Fat Hen Photography’s Facebook page.
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