Photograph captures the wonder of wetlands to win national recognition for local talent
A stunningly colourful sunset illuminates the winter sky over WWT Washington Wetland Centre’s Wader Lake...
This striking image has scooped second place for photographer Ian Cook, in the national finals of the Canon/WWT Photography Competition 2011-2012.
A panel, chaired by TV presenter and wildlife photographer Chris Packham, judged entries from Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) sites across the country, which had been selected for the finals over a series of seasonal, regional heats.
And Ian, from Gosforth, took the accolade of second place in the Wetland Landscapes category for his atmospheric ‘Sunset from the Hide’ shot.
He said: “Thanks for the great news regarding my sunset image - this keeps us up North on the map, so to speak!
“The image in question was taken at the end of a freezing cold day down on Wader Lake. The sunset only lasted for a couple of minutes, but it was worth it.”
Photography is fast becoming one of the most popular ways in which people engage with nature at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust’s (WWT’s) nine UK wetland visitor centres; allowing them to capture forever the unique wildlife and spectacular scenery that make up one of nature’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
The Canon/WWT Photography Competition 2011-2012 gave photographers a place to share the beauty and fragility of wetlands, while recognising the very best talent.
Wetlands are any areas where the ground remains wet for long periods. They have been centres of human civilisation throughout history and they are home to specially-adapted wildlife.
Wetlands are essential to life on Earth. Not only do they control erosion, prevent flooding and influence the climate, they provide and clean the water we drink and use to grow food.
Martin Spray, Chief Executive of WWT, said: “In the last century alone, half the world’s inland wetlands have been lost. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so we asked photographers to showcase some of the rich diversity of wildlife that depend on wetlands. We are delighted with the response and very pleased to announce the winners.”
The Canon/WWT Photography competition 2011-12 has been held in celebration of the centenary of the Scott Antarctic Expedition. WWT was founded by the son of Captain Scott and this year's grand prize is an once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica, courtesy of Exodus in partnership with Quark Expeditions.
Lee Bonniface, Country Director, Canon UK Consumer Imaging, said: “We’re delighted to partner with the WWT for their 2011-2012 photography competition. It has attracted a stunning array of entries which illustrate, through the power of image, the vital role that our wetlands play in providing a habitat to some of Britain’s most stunning and rare wildlife species. At Canon, we have a philosophy of ‘living and working together for the common good’ and we hope that this competition will inspire more people to take up photography and visit their local wetland centre.”
