Wild Kent in the frame

Winners of the Kent Wildlife Trust Wildlife Photography Competition 2017 announced.


Another great selection of photographs capturing the wild beauty of Kent was submitted for this, the 10th annual competition. These 12 worthy winning images were selected by freelance photographer and tutor, Phil Hurst of Borough Green, formerly of the Natural History Museum Photographic Unit.

Phil said: “The selection process proved yet again to be both challenging, but enjoyable, as the standards were so high. It also demonstrates just what can be achieved - even with the simplest of cameras. My heartiest congratulations go to all those talented photographers who took part – and keep up the great work!”

The winners will be presented with trophies and prizes at an awards presentation evening in November at the Trust’s headquarters at Tyland Barn, Maidstone, when the overall winner will be announced. Their reward will be a two-day break for four people in a Kent country cottage courtesy of Mulberry Cottages who have generously donated this fabulous prize. The Junior awards will be presented by Unipet International, who have kindly sponsored this category. The winning photographs will be exhibited in the gallery at Tyland Barn throughout November before moving on to other venues around the county.
 

Fauna Category

1st Place: Jason Steel from Bexleyheath - European Hornet

“Not an image I would be happy taking! Here is a striking portrait of a spectacular member of the wasp family. Set amongst similar colours the hornet’s head dominates, thanks to the careful composition.”

Jason Steel

2nd Place: Jim Higham from Canterbury - Murmuration over Canterbury

“A starling murmuration is always a sight for sore eyes, to capture one over the iconic Canterbury Cathedral is great. Not an easy image to achieve as the light is fading; it would have been all too easy for the birds to become an indistinct blur.”

Jim Higham's photograph of a starling murmuration over Canterbury. Jim Higham

3rd Place: Jim Higham - Elmley Stonechat

“Proving that your subject does not need to be large in the frame, this study of a male stonechat keeping an eye on his domain ticks many boxes. The hint of the environment is what makes this a strong image.”

Jim Higham's photograph of a stonechat at Elmley Marshes. Jim Higham

Flora Category

1st Place: David Jenner from East Peckham - Bluebell Sunset

“I particularly like images that use the light well. Here, shooting towards the sun, has created numerous leading lines that draw you into the image. The author has also rendered the bluebell colour well - not always easy.”

David Jenner's image of bluebells at sunset. David Jenner

2nd Place: Liz Martin from Whitstable - Whitstable castle

“I am a great fan of abstract image and really like the feeling captured here. The lines all leading to a single point and echoed in the out of focus background make a very strong abstract statement."

Liz Martin's floral image taken at Whitstable Castle. Liz Martin

3rd Place: David Scrivener from Maidstone - Coxheath bluebells

“Although another bluebell and again a slightly abstract image, the choice of a different viewpoint and the use of colour and monochrome makes for an interesting image to view.”

Coxheath Bluebells by David Scrivener. David Scrivener

Landscape Coastline and People Category

1st Place: David Jenner

“Another good example of the use of light with the two lines of trees leading you through the undulating landscape with lovely strong saturated foreground colours complemented by the pastel shades in the sky.”

David Jenner's photograph of the sun setting beyond a valley. David Jenner

2nd Place: Carol Jull from Gillingham - Only the Brave

“Illustrating the energy of the seas around the Kent coast combined with the joy of the young people enjoying the moment. The 'frozen' action and the ‘contre-jour’ lighting give the splash sparkle.”

Carol Jull's photograph of children enjoying the waves. Carol Jull

3rd Place: Gary Collyer from Whitstable - St. James, Sheldwich

“A classic county scene. Village life centres around the church and agriculture; here the two combine to form a pleasant Kentish landscape.”

Gary Collyer's photograph of St James's Church in Sheldwich. Gary Collyer