Big Picture: Young Photographer

Entries for The Big Picture: Greater Thames Photography Competition have been pouring in and, with just under a month to go before the competition ends, we have a special announcement to make!

Judging our Young Photographer category will be.....

Filmmaker extraordinaire, Ashley Jones!

We asked Ashley to tell you a little bit about himself:

“I am a documentary filmmaker and run a film production company called GREEN LIONS. I recently made the film PROJECT WILD THING (projectwildthing.com) – a feature documentary that was released in cinemas in October last year. The film attempts to reconnect people with nature and the great outdoors! Whilst most of my work is live-action filming I have been an avid stills photographer for many years, photographing people, wildlife, landscapes and the occasional wedding – which definitely counts as wildlife photography! My family and I very much enjoy exploring the wilds of our neighbourhood in east London, and take lots of pictures of our wild adventures!”

So, why did Ashley want to be a part of The Big Picture?

w we live with nature in the city. Even in the most populated areas there is so much nature around us. I grew up near the countryside, but only very recently saw a Kingfisher for the first time – in Victoria Park, London!”“I am a huge fan of the work of the RSPB and being asked to judge the ‘Young Photographer’ category is a huge honour. It will be a privilege to spend time looking at your wonderful photography work. Being a city-dweller I am particularly interested in ho

Last, but not least; we asked Ashley for a few of his top tips for our budding young photographers:

“Taking pictures is a craft that is honed by practice, and even after many years of taking pictures I am still learning. Here are a few tips, I hope you find useful:

1. You don’t have to travel to exotic places to take amazing pictures of wildlife – nature is all around us if we look for it. Look up, look around, get close, take time to notice, learn to understand animal or plant behaviour.
2. When out taking pictures it is important to enjoy your day out and connect with the world around you. Your pictures will be at their best if let yourself be guided by your heart. Does your picture tell a story? What do YOU want to take pictures of? Be inspired by other photographers and photos you see, but never copy. Be yourself and love what you photograph.
3. Get closer to nature! Move around, try different angles and positions, settle into a spot, be patient and wait for wildlife to come to you!
4. Very early morning as the sun rises, and just before the sun sets, are great times of the day to take pictures – when the light is less bright and creates interesting shadows. This time of day is known as the ‘magic hour’.
5. Practice lots, get to know your camera, and carry it with you at all times – you never know when a good photo opportunity might present itself!

Respect your environment, keep your pictures simple, have fun and GOOD LUCK!”

The RSPB are delighted to have Ashley on board; we hope this has got you all excited and raring to get out and take some photos!  Remember, if you would like some extra help, we are running FREE workshops  all over the Greater Thames throughout the Easter holidays!

Explore Bowers Marsh, Sunday 6^th April, 10.30am - 12.30pm .
After careful restoration, Bowers Marsh is alive with the sights and sounds of wildlife.  This grazing marsh has played a vital role in the lives of people and wildlife for centuries. Join us to capture this ancient landscape and the stories it tells.  Nature photographer, James Porter, will accompany us to offer his top tips to help you get the most out of the walk. Open to all ages, but please note: this walk might be tough on little legs!  Booking required.

Family Fun at West Canvey Marsh, Tuesday 8^th April, 10am – 4pm .
We’ll be at West Canvey Marsh all day to meet the next generation of conservationists and nature photographers.  Pop by to take part in some exciting activities (including pond dipping!), explore the nature photography trail and discover how you can help us look after wildlife in the Thames.  The self-led Big Picture Photography Trail will be accessible to all West Canvey Marsh visitors throughout the Easter holidays.

Focus on Nature at Priory Park, Southend, Saturday 12^th April, 10am – 2pm.
We’ll be helping you get closer to nature than ever before.  Wildlife photographer James Porter will be on hand to give you his top tips to help you capture that perfect shot!  We want to see what the nature in Southend means to you, whether it be a snap of your favourite animal, beautiful scenery or of your family having fun in the Park!  Pop by and find the team anytime between 10am and 2pm.

Secrets of Sheppey at Elmley National Nature Reserve, Sunday 20^th April, TIME TBC
Join us and the team at Elmley to explore a wildlife wonderland.  From hares lolloping across the vast marshland to a sky filled with birds, Elmley’s breathtaking wildlife spectacles are not to be missed by any budding photographer!  Booking required.

For more information or to book, please contact Stef Lawrence.  Email: Stephanie.Lawrence@rspb.org.uk. Telephone: 07850 210039.

Get snapping and good luck!  Competition closes at midnight on 22^nd April.

For info on how to enter visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/futurescapes/greaterthames/photo-competition.aspx.