University of Derby Nature Photography Competition
20 May 2013
Winner of the 13 - 17 age category - Kara Leachman, age 14.
These young photographers are all deserving winners and we look forward to inviting them all to the University soon to receive their prizes.
”Professor Paul Lynch, Acting Head of the University's School of Science
Winner of the 18 - 24 age category - Raluca Ruscan, age 19
After urging young talented photographers to get outside and capture nature as it sprang into life on camera, the University of Derby's School of Science received more than 60 entries to its Spring Nature Photography Competition from young people aged 13 to 24.
Three worthy winners have now been selected.
The images in the 13 to17-year-old and 18 to 24-year-old age categories were judged by a panel of wildlife experts including well known zoologist and TV presenter, George McGavin, popular wildlife artist and University Honorary graduate, Pollyanna Pickering, and the University's Head of Biological and Forensic Sciences, Professor Paul Lynch. The images also formed an exhibition at the University's Family Fun Day on May 5 (2013), where a winner was chosen in a public vote.
The winners are:
- 13 - 17 age category - Kara Leachman, age 14, with her image of a newly sprung plant holding a droplet of rainwater.
- 18 - 24 age category - Raluca Ruscan, age 19, with her photo of a 'smiling' sheep in a snowy field.
- Public vote - Abi Page age 22, with her image of a family feeding the ducks in a puddle of sunlight.
Abi said: "I was so surprised to find out that I had won the public vote, especially as I nearly didn't have the confidence to enter my photo in the first place! I'd only recently been given a camera and the photo I entered wasn't initially taken for the competition, but I was really happy with the shot and I thought it fit the brief so I gave it go. I'm very glad I did."
Pollyanna Pickering 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 added: "We were delighted with the number and quality of entries that we 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.
"These young photographers are all deserving winners and we look forward to inviting them all to the University soon to receive their prizes."
All three winners will receive the latest instant sharing camera, the Samsung Galaxy HD.
You can see all of the entries on our Flickr site -
www.flickr.com/photos/derbyunipress/sets/72157633267371550/ and
www.flickr.com/photos/derbyunipress/sets/72157633257233815/
If you have any queries about the competition, please contact us via email j.colburn@derby.ac.uk or on 01332 593004
