Wildlife/Animals nominee

This series of simple graphic images of lakeland birdlife featuring a particular isolated perch out in the centre of Stover Lake in Devon, UK were captured over a number of early morning visits. Shooting into the light on these misty mornings enabled me to focus on the shapes and outlines of the birds, forming distinct elements in my compositions. The first shows the outline of a Great Crested Grebe emerging from the shroud of mist; the second involves a Grey Heron and Mute Swan; whilst the third shows a Coot actually nesting on the perch with a Mute Swan approaching ominously from beyond.

Richard is an award winning wildlife and landscape photographer and author of books on photography. His work does encompass other genres of photography but his primary focus remains rooted in the natural world. His up-bringing in Uganda and the Sudan no doubt helped generate his passion and fascination for wildlife and for the wild animals of that continent in particular. He is now based in Greece, but regularly returns to Africa leading photographic safaris. Like many nature photographers he is deeply concerned about our impact on the environment. He hopes his work will communicate to others the complexity, beauty and design inherent in this part of our existence and encourage immersion in and interaction with its wonders. He also hopes it will in some way help nurture a respectful relationship rather than one based on exploitation and control.