Competitions
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What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of running such a successful competition? The awards need the continued support of our invaluable sponsors and supporters; these partnerships are crucial and the mainstay of our role. Without them we simply could not function. It is wonderful to see the work on display, the national coverage in the press and the beautiful book. It makes it all worthwhile. Has the competition evolved much since it started? We have developed more categories year by year and evolved to include video as well. The competition has had more and more coverage too, reaching tens of millions most years. Is there anything that you’d like to see more of within the competition? I think the Wildlife in HD Video, a fairly new category, is a growing and very exciting area that we would like to expand and entice photographers to experiment with if they haven’t already. Is there a category that you particularly look forward to seeing entries from? I always find entries from all categories fascinating actually. There are always new ways of seeing things, new angles and perspectives to look forward to. How many entries does the competition typically receive? We typically receive between 10,000 and 15,000 entries, mostly from Britons but not exclusively. With the competition being based solely on British wildlife, does this make it more challenging for photographers to find diversity in the subject matter? Photographers can adapt to weather and light more
What’s your background in photography and how did you come to found the BWPA? With a past life as a photographer, I have travelled through many different countries and worked with numerous notable companies. These include Sothebys, the BBC Natural History Unit, Tony Stone (now Getty), Colorific Photo Agency, Network Photographers, Popperfoto (historical archive), the National Trust and Magnum Photos. My particular interest is in using innovative photography to inspire and communicate cultural, environmental and educational messages to a wide audience. It was from my earliest employment as a museum curator, where I managed a natural history collection and its interpretation through exhibitions, that I became captivated with photography and its potential. A passion for the natural world, photography and film, and an interest in global issues are the defining influences which have shaped my life and work. After commissioning and curating two highly acclaimed traveling exhibitions on behalf of the National Trust: The Coast Exposed! and Climate Change in Britain’s Backyard , in collaboration with the National Maritime Museum and Magnum Photos, I established the British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA). The driving motivation to set up BWPA evolved through my desire to celebrate British wildlife, in all its beauty and diversity, through a collection of inspirational photographs. I wanted to encourage the discovery, exploration, conservation and enjoyment of our natural heritage whilst also raising awareness about British biodiversity, species, habitats and the need for its protection. The awards have become incredibly popular, why do you think it has captured the imagination of so many? It is the photographer’s own country, their wildlife and environment, enabling them to discover their local habitats – it has inspired them to look closer to home rather than traveling to exotic climes.
easily and spontaneously, being in the UK. A wide range of categories gives ideas, focus and direction. Also with categories like Wild Woods, Coast and Marine, Urban, and Black and White there is endless scope to be creative on our doorstep, wherever you are in the UK. It is easier to learn about your local species and their behaviour. Having a broad selection of categories gives wider coverage of British wildlife and helps inform people about what’s out there. You have quite a variety of esteemed judges on the panel this year, what was the criteria for selecting the judges? We have aleays included a varied panel of experts to include naturalists, photographers, editors and filmmakers. What are the judges looking for in a winning photo? Do you have any tips on getting your picture noticed by the judges? Imagination, creativity and originality. Just be original. Are there any common mistakes that people could easily avoid? Copying previous winners. Try to be original as possible.
What are the plans for the future of the competition? To keep going!
π To find out more, go to www.bwpawards.org.
I wanted to encourage the discovery, exploration, conservation and enjoyment of our natural heritagewhilst raising awareness about British biodiversity
ABOVE Shrimp in snakelock anemone by Trevor Rees. LEFT Red deer by Keith Thorburn.
Time is of the essence if you want your image to be considered for the top BWPA prize and be in with a chance of improving your bank balance by £5000 as you’ve only got until 2 May to get your entry in. Submit your images via the website – entry is all digital – into one of the 16 categories on offer. Winners and commended entrants will feature in the BWPA touring exhibition and print book. Getyourentryin
www.absolutephoto.com
Issue 19 | Photography News
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