Norfolk Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the winners of its very first Young People's Photography Competition! This month-long contest was open to 13-24 year-olds during February this year, and invited entrants to submit creative photos of Norfolk's wildlife.
Judged by NWT President Patrick Barkham, wildlife photographer David Tipling and Springwatch's Lucy 'Lapwing' Hodson, there were over 100 impressive entries across the four categories.
Eliot Lyne, CEO of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said:
"Seeing these photos gives me great hope for the future of Norfolk's nature. It is clear that not only are there talented photographers among the younger generations, but that they see our wildlife for what it is - something to be inspired by, to marvel at and to care for."
The prize fund included book bundles from WildSounds Books, a day out in a hide with wildlife photographer David Tipling, NWT membership, wooden bird boxes and clip-on lenses for use with mobile cameras.
See the winning entries
Age 13-17 camera category:
1st place: Josh Zinkin, Heron at Holkham:
"I took this photo while visiting Holkham AONB and Holkham beach in August last year. I spotted this heron stationary from a good distance away, and originally mistook it for a pole. Upon further inspection using my zoom lens, I was able to capture it in its environment, with the changing shades of grass too."
2nd place: Henry Keepin, Turnstone and reflection at Waxham:
"I noticed this turnstone wandering around the puddles on the path, then it jumped onto a rock and I realised it would be back to the path soon. So, I lay in a puddle and waited, soon enough it walked across in front of me."
Age 18-24 camera category:
1st place: Daniel Masters, Compass jellyfish at Sheringham Chalk Reef:
"This photograph was taken just after lockdown when I could finally reconnect with nature! My brother and I decided to snorkel the chalk reef at Sheringham for the first time and this compass jellyfish appeared. I love how the light reflects on the jellyfish. This was my first photo where I used the reflection as a main focus point."
2nd place: Martha Glennon, Reed bunting at Buckenham Marshes:
"A rainbow formed shortly after a storm passed over us as we walked along Buckenham Marshes. This female reed bunting was kind enough to sit on a reed high enough that my camera could get the colours of the rainbow in the background. Reed buntings are an Amber listed species in the UK, and it is always a pleasure to see them."
Age 13-17 mobile / tablet category:
1st place: Bethany Wilson, Common frog on a school allotment, Old Buckenham:
"I was helping out on my school allotment when this common frog jumped into a growing bed. It was fantastic to show other students and teachers and it brought great joy to the day."
2nd place: Joshua Barrett, Black-headed gulls at Nunnery Lake:
"I took the photo because I noticed four birds on a bridge all staring out at the landscape around them. I focused on the bird who was facing a different direction and breaking the pattern of the other birds."
Age 18-24 mobile / tablet category:
1st place: Riley Woodhouse, Two mute swans at Kelling:
"The image was taken on my local patch, Kelling Water Meadows. The swans were resting and feeding on the small body of water when they decided to take flight! Powering right over my head, I had just enough time to snap a photo on my phone. I like the image because it’s a different perspective, these giant birds framed by the sky, with the aeroplane trail through the centre."
2nd place: Sophie Dorman, Painted lady at Holkham:
"This individual was one of many painted ladies at Holkham during an impressive influx of the species in 2019."
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust Young People's Photography Competition was generously sponsored by WildSounds Books and internationally renowned wildlife photographer, David Tipling.
GET INVOLVED
If you are a young person keen to have a go at nature and wildlife photography, you can start anywhere - from your back garden or local park, to one of the county's many nature reserves.
Head to a Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve for a chance to capture snaps of some of Norfolk's most special natural places for wildlife, from ancient woodland and reedbeds to heaths and coast.
Header image: Painted lady by Sophie Dorman