Photography News | Issue 39 | absolutephoto.com
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Interview
Competition special
BritishWildlife Photographer of the Year Established in 2009, the British Wildlife Photography Awards recognises the talents of photographers and celebrates British wildlife. The competition has 15 categories, two junior categories and a special award for wildlife in HD video. We speak to founder Maggie Gowan
Interview by Jemma Dodd
Can you tell us a bit about your background? I have worked in photography for over 30 years; as a photographer, picture editor, commissioning editor and curator for numerous organisations and charities including BBC Natural History Unit and the National Trust. I also curated and managed two major touring exhibitions; the highly acclaimed Coast Exposed and award winning Climate Change in Britain’s Backyard in collaboration with the National Maritime Museum, Magnum Photos and the National Trust. Before studying photography and taking that route as a career, I worked as a Museum Curator in Natural Sciences, where I developed my strong fascination for wildlife and the natural world. I am now a passionate advocate of our national heritage and hope to highlight its importance andneed for itsprotection through the British Wildlife Photography Awards. In 2015 I was named one of BBC Wildlife’s top 50 most influential conservationists because of the awareness of British wildlife that the BWPA brought about to audiences. How did you come up with the idea for the British Photography awards? I had thought about doing a Wildlife Exhibition after the success of Coast Exposed and Climate Change in Britain’s Backyard but had not found a way forward. Thankfully the idea came about after discussing it with a British wildlife photographer. What are the aims of the competition? By showcasing the very best of our nature photography to a wide audience and engaging all ages with evocative and powerful imagery, the British Wildlife Photography Awards aim to recognise the talents of photographers practising in the UK, while at the same time highlight the great wealth and diversity of Britain’s natural history. The Awards also aim to celebrate British wildlife, in all its beauty and diversity, through this collection of inspirational photographs. Finally, the Awards aim to encourage discovery, exploration, conservation and enjoyment of our natural heritage, and raise awareness aboutBritishbiodiversity,speciesandhabitats. There are so many categories involved in the competition, do you have a favourite? It’s important to show the full range of wildlife
we have. Having multiple categories also encourages and helps photographers to think about their subjects and choices. I am pleased to say I like all of them for many reasons. The categories that often surprise our audience the most areHiddenBritain andCoast andMarine – they are often surprised that the images are from our country. Because it is harder to see what is in the undergrowth, I feel the Hidden Britain category brings a wealth of wonderful creatures into the spotlight and close-up, many we may not knowmuch about. The Coast and Marine category is also a particularly noteworthy category – I have always been fascinated by our coast and marine life and am very concerned about the threats it is currently facing. What did you think of this year’s winning image? And what about the young 12-18 category winner Becky? They are both fabulous. George Stoyle’s winning image of the giant jellyfish in Scotland, Hitchhikers, is stunning in so many ways. It captures the beauty of this creature perfectly. I like the soft light and painterly quality. It has an element of mystery, inviting you into its world. Becky’s Kung Fu Puffins image conveys the character and behaviour of the puffins brilliantly. A split second well caught on camera. It’s wonderful that she is so dedicated and I hope will inspire many other young people to get outdoors with their cameras. How has the standard of entries increased over the years? There have be strong entries every year but there are more entries now, so it will be more competitive than it was several years ago. Any advice for those thinking of entering next year? Observe wildlife near you. Learn about the behaviour of the wildlife around you and the best light conditions. There’s no need to travel far. Wildlife is everywhere. Top Great crested grebe at sunrise, Andy Rouse, Wales, Habitat – Highly commended Above The Supermarket Starling, Geoff Trevarthen, Cornwall – Urban winner Right Perched Damselfly, Oliver Wright, Leeds, Hidden Britain - Highly commended
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