Capture Nature’s Best Side - RSPB Devon Launch A Wild Photography Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The RSPB in Devon launch a Nature Photography Competition. Entries will be judged by Award Winning Bird Photographer Jo King and the RSPB. The winning photographs will be displayed in the Bowling Green Hide, Topsham throughout November. Closing date, Midnight and Saturday22 October

The RSPB in Devon invite the public to enter their special Nature Photography Competition and show off their creative flare. The RSPB encourage photographers of all ages and all skill levels to enter. They are looking for photos that illustrate the beauty of nature and inspire others to pick up their cameras too.

Jo King, Award Winning Bird Photographer and Judge of the competition said: “The RSPB Exe Estuary photo competition is an exciting way of inspiring people to get outside and engage with nature in a way they might not normally think about. It's a chance to stop and look closer at the natural world around; an opportunity to discover and share some of its' often overlooked secrets.

“The Exe Estuary alone, is brimming with nature, from a variety of wetland birds to intriguing bugs, plant life and small mammals. There is a network of footpaths, cycle ways and ferry crossings all around the Exe, allowing you to immerse yourself in this amazing natural environment and capture that special, unique shot. But don't overlook the natural world outside your own door, you may be surprised at what you find. I am looking forward to some very creative results.”

Competition Details

The RSPB Devon Nature Photography Competition has six categories:

1. Close Up (#CloseUp) - Capture unique and interesting details by getting up close and personal with nature. Here is your chance to show us the beauty in everyday scenes that may otherwise be overlooked.



2. Motion (#Motion) - Capture the life and movement of nature. Whether it’s a bird darting across the sky or a raindrop splashing into a puddle - show us the energy of that moment. Timing is everything.



3. Nature’s Colours (#NaturesColours) - Try and capture the vibrancy in the natural world. The brighter and bolder the better.



4. Night Shot (#NightShot) - Play around with light and darkness and try and convey the mystery and beauty of nocturnal nature.



5. Nature on RSPB Reserves (#NatureonRSPBReserves) - Come on down to one of our Devon RSPB reserves and make the most of the beautiful habitats that we have here. Use our amazing environments to inspire you to get that perfect shot.



6. Giving Nature a Home (#GivingNatureAHome) - This is all about nature in your own garden. Urban areas can be havens for different wildlife too, even a small window box - so get out there and see what you can find.



How to Enter

Follow us on twitter: @RSPBExeEstuary and submit your photos there.

Important: Make sure that when you upload your photo you include the following wording in your tweet: @RSPBExeEstuary, #RSPBNaturePhotoComp and the hashtag of your specific photo category (see above for category hashtags)

For those who don’t have twitter: You can email your entry to us at: exe.estuary@rspb.org.uk - but again make sure you include the category you’re entering.

Closing date: Entries must be received by Midnight on Saturday 22 October.

Judges: The contest is being run and judged by Award Winning Bird Photographer Jo King and RSPB Residential Volunteer Hannah Whitfield.

Winners: Will be notified by 27 October and their photographs displayed in the RSPB Bowling Green Marsh hide on 29 October for our ‘Caught on Camera’ Photography day. Winning photos will remain in the hide for the next month.

** No wildlife habitats or wildlife should be harmed or unduly disturbed in the process of taking photographs. Further guidance is available here: http://www.rps.org/adminuploads/external/images/nature@rps.org/Nature%20Photographers%20Code%20of%20Practice.pdf



Hannah Whitfield, RSPB Residential Volunteer and competition Judge said: “Whether a seasoned pro or a first time snapper – we would love to see what you can capture on film. I think that this competition will be a great way for people to get outside, explore the wild spaces around them and to engage with nature. I have always loved wildlife photography and its ability to capture the beauty and character of the environment and its wildlife – every photo tells a story. I am so excited to see what fantastic images people will send in and wish everyone the best of luck.”

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