Jamie Clarkson

"I am currently studying for a PhD at Cambridge, which is a privilege as setting my own schedule allows me a lot of flexibility to pursue my photography. I enjoy wildlife photography as it’s simultaneously relaxing (all the waiting around means a lot of calm time to think and ponder research problems), and exhilarating – when the bird finally appears and you get the photo you’ve been planning it’s very satisfying. I don’t have a car, so I’m restricted to locations I can get to by bike – as such I photograph entirely in and around Cambridge, focusing on a few species that I get to know really well, which I think is key to getting good photos.

"One of these is my local barn owl pair. I first discovered them a year ago as I watched dawn break after a night of astrophotography, and have since spent most mornings and evenings visiting them. This has enabled me to learn their habits, which I’ve found has improved my photographic success, in particular with perched shots. I don’t have a hide, so if I want close up portraits I have to anticipate where the owls will perch, compose the image with my camera on a tripod, and retreat to hide in a bush, using a remote to trigger the shutter. Despite knowing their favourite perches it took me a while to have any success – an early learning lesson was not to take the photo as soon as they land, as it scares them off, instead I allow them a short while to get comfortable on the perch before shooting. Another was learning to stay put – often I’d give up and move to a different position only to have them land on the perch I was previously at!

"For my image in the calendar, “Bathed in light”, I wanted to try something I hadn’t before and get a backlit shot. This meant taking the photo in the early evening, when the sun is setting behind the post. After a few weeks of waiting with no luck, the female finally landed on the post, and I carefully took a number of shots as she changed positions on the post. When I saw her lift her foot up and twist her head round backwards, I knew I’d got lucky. 

"Another species I focus on is the local peregrine pair. They have been breeding in Cambridge for almost a decade, and I have been photographing them for the past three years. As with the owls, learning their behaviour is key for getting good photographs – they fly with such speed, anticipating their flight path is key. I’ve had many enjoyable experiences watching them over the years, including helping rescue grounded chicks."

Trevor Sawyer

"Growing up in the 1960s and ’70s, during that final lucky generation where a childhood spent outside was perfectly normal and the draw of gaming consoles and social media was yet to arise, a love of nature and the primitive joy of getting close to wild creatures was, I suppose, inevitable for me. Only by witnessing wildlife close up 'in the flesh' could its true beauty be seen. 

"It strikes me today that if the general public don’t get to actually see wildlife other than on the internet, TV or in books, there is the worrying chance that they may not be at all concerned if that particular species starts disappearing from our countryside. I therefore think it is essential to encourage as many people as possible to get out and submerge themselves in nature.

"I am an extremely keen (but strictly amateur) photographer and have developed a love of hunting out some of the lesser-known UK species and trying to get shots of them. BCN Wildlife Trust reserves are a rich source of target organisms and with a little effort and background research, it is possible to find some truly wonderful and unusual subjects essentially on your doorstep. 

"A recent project to find a wrinkled peach mushroom locally led to me reading that it often utilises dying elm to obtain its nutrients. Although Cambridgeshire is the least wooded county in the UK, it does have quite a lot of elm, and it turned out that a BCN Wildlife Trust reserve near me was one of the largest elm woods in the area. That seemed like a pretty good place to start looking - and so it proved… 

"After a careful search, I found a clump of tiny pink mushrooms and returned a few days later when the fruiting bodies had expanded and reached their photogenic best. As I couldn’t get my Canon R6 camera low enough to see all the features of the mushroom I wanted to show, I decided to photograph their reflection in a shaving mirror placed under them. Simple, but very effective and I was delighted with the outcome.

"Fortunately, my photograph was selected to go into the 2024 BCN Wildlife Trust calendar where it will hopefully encourage more people to get out with a camera and record the subjects that pique their own interest. Just pick an unexpected species, read as much as you can about it… and then get out there and find it!"

William Parkinson

"My journey as a wildlife photographer began during my time at Falmouth University, where I pursued a degree in Marine and Natural History Photography. This academic environment allowed me to delve into the intricate world of wildlife and develop my skills behind the lens.

"Living in Bedford, I took every opportunity to immerse myself in nature, dedicating weekends and evenings to venture into the wild in search of captivating wildlife moments. While sharing my work on social media provided some exposure, I yearned to reach a wider audience and showcase the beauty of the natural world through my lens. It was during one of my excursions that the magic unfolded, resulting in my winning image, 'Bluebell Browsing.'

"The photograph encapsulates the essence of nature's magnificence as a graceful muntjac deer stands amidst a tranquil woodland adorned with a vibrant carpet of bluebells. This enchanting scene was immortalized in Bedfordshire, UK, forever preserving the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and flora.

"The story behind "Bluebell Browsing" is one of unexpected serendipity. On a day dedicated to photographing badgers, I patiently sat in the woods for approximately four hours, hoping to capture their elusive beauty. However, luck had a different plan. Suddenly, a muntjac deer crossed my path, unaware of my presence. Seizing the opportunity, I swiftly turned my camera towards this mesmerizing creature and began capturing its every move. Armed with my trusty Nikon camera, I managed to navigate the challenges posed by the dim lighting within the woodland. The evening sun cast a gentle glow, adding depth and mystique to the image. Through careful composition and framing, I aimed to convey a sense of balance and visual allure, drawing inspiration from renowned photographers who have mastered the art of capturing wildlife's essence.

"For the past eight years, wildlife photography has been my cherished hobby, serving as both an escape and a source of relaxation. The captivating world of nature allows me to find solace and connect with the wonders around us. It is this profound passion that fuels my drive to explore, learn, and refine my craft as a photographer.

"To aspiring wildlife photographers, I offer a few invaluable tips: immerse yourself in nature as frequently as possible, become well-versed in the behaviours and habitats of your chosen subjects, and utilise trail cameras to discover optimal locations for capturing breathtaking moments. Additionally, never stop learning and draw inspiration from the work of renowned photographers, allowing their artistry to guide your own creative journey.

"Winning the Wildlife Trust BCN photography competition has filled me with immense pride and a renewed desire to enter more competitions. It has not only provided a platform to showcase my work to a wider audience but has also ignited a sense of validation and encouragement to continue pursuing my passion. With each accolade received, I am reminded of the profound impact photography can have in raising awareness about the fragile beauty of our natural world."