Last month we launched the Big Picture: Greater Thames Futurescape Photography Competition. We are delighted to introduce to you the first our beady-eyed judges! Our long-standing volunteers, Dave and Mary Braddock, will be judging the Wild About the Thames category. We are honoured to have Dave and Mary on-board with The Big Picture. Not only are they fantastic nature photographers, but they have both shown amazing dedication to helping us give nature a home, year, after year, after year!
Dave tells us a bit about Mary and himself:
“Mary and I are joint group leaders of the North West Surrey RSPB Local Group. Between us we have been volunteering for the RSPB for around thirty five years, the highlight was in 2012 when we were presented with the President's Award for Volunteering. We are both committed and passionate about volunteering and the protection of all wildlife. We have been keen nature photographers for many years and like to spend as much time as possible out there with cameras and wildlife. Mary was runner up in the Amateur section of the International Wildbird Photographer Award in 2007.
Being asked to judge the Wild about the Thames category is a great thrill and honour for us.“
In this category we are looking for photographs of animals taken within the wilds of the Greater Thames. The wild can consist of any natural place – from your garden or local park to an RSPB nature reserve. Images should seek to showcase the amazing wildlife of the Thames, creating a lasting impression. This could be a great close-up, showing new behaviour or simply celebrating the spectacle of an estuary filled with returning migrant birds.
So, what will our judges be keeping an eye out for?
Dave:
"Having lived and worked around the Thames for most of my life I will be looking for images that promote the diverse wildlife that can be found in the Greater Thames, an area that needs to be shared, enjoyed and protected."
Mary:
“Despite working full-time in the NHS in a busy part of Surrey, I try to go out with my camera on a daily basis. The thrill of finding wildlife on my doorstep and being able to photograph it is an important part of my day and gives me a sense of achievement. I shall be looking for pictures that portray subjects within their environment that the photographer wants to share with others.”
Picture: Dave and Mary Braddock
Get snapping everyone! From water voles, to lapwings, to bumble bees; we want to see what nature in the Greater Thames means to you. For more information on how to enter visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/futurescapes/greaterthames/photo-competition.aspx.