Wildlife / Animals nominee

As this female Eurasian otter and her two cubs slept the tide drew closer, waves lapping at their backs. Shooting into the sun, spray from the sea took on a glow which contrasted beautifully with the otter's dark fur. I emphasised this by shooting at a as slow a shutter speed as I could manage hand held on a windy shoreline. The resulting image illustrates the otter's inherent link to water and its adaptation to staying warm and dry despite this semi aquatic lifestyle.

James is a naturalist and photographer living and working in the Shetland Islands. After several years of travelling there for its incredible wildlife he made a permanent move in 2021. He has a background working in zoological institutions and worked for many years as a senior lecturer in animal and wildlife management, he also holds a degree in Animal Behaviour.

He is now a full time wildlife guide. Working between Shetland and the West Coast of Scotland and where since the age of five he has been developing his fieldcraft and love of costal wildlife. James has worked with and photographed wildlife in destinations across Asia, Africa and Europe, his photography has been recognised and awarded across both national and international competitions.