Pollyanna Casts Expert Eye Over Competition Entries
30 April 2013
Pollyanna Pickering, judging the School of Science's Spring Nature Photography Competition
Many of these entries capture the spring we have experienced wonderfully; animals working extra hard to survive in the cold, and trees and flowers blossoming from beneath a thick covering of snow.
”Celebrated wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering was given a snapshot of young photographic talent when she visited the University of Derby to judge its Spring Nature Photography Competition recently.
Pollyanna, accompanied by her daughter, Anna-Louise, who is herself a photographer, took a first look over the entries to the School of Science's competition, which will go on public display at the University's upcoming Family Fun Day at its Kedleston Road site on Sunday (May 5).
At the Fun Day the public will get to vote for the photograph they feel best captures spring 2013.
The public winner, along with the winners from the 13 to 17 and 18 to 24 year old age categories chosen by Pollyanna and her fellow judges, zoologist and TV presenter George McGavin; and University Head of Biological and Forensic Sciences, Professor Paul Lynch, will each receive a Samsung Galaxy HD camera. The camera gives photographers the option of sharing their 17 megapixel photos straight from the device via 3G or WiFI.
Pollyanna said: "Many of these entries capture the spring we have experienced wonderfully; animals working extra hard to survive in the cold, and trees and flowers blossoming from beneath a thick covering of snow.
"The photography and painting of nature allows us to open our eyes and really pay attention to the things that we often walk straight past. Sitting with a view-finder or pad and paints helps us to be still in nature and truly experience it, which is why it is so valuable."
Professor Paul Lynch said: "We are delighted with the number and quality of entries that we have received to the Spring Nature Photography competition, and it is clear that many young people have been inspired by the natural events they have seen around them over the last three months.
"It is going to be difficult to choose our winners, but we encourage people to come and visit the exhibition at the Family Fun Day, and pick their favourite too."
For more information about the Family Fun Day visit www.derby.ac.uk/funday
A summer exhibition of Pollyanna's most recent work which captures some of the most endangered species of animal around the word will go on display at her gallery in Matlock, Derbyshire, in July 2013. For more information visit www.pollyannapickeringstudio.co.uk
