Two RTPS members, Dick Hawkes and Wendy Akers have been recognised in the International Garden Photographer of the Year, the world’s premier competition specialising in garden, plant, flower and botanical photography.
Dick won the National Trust Riverlands category with his beautiful image ‘Grey Wagtail Capturing Insects.’ Dick said: “Several times I came to stand, watching, fascinated by the skill of the grey wagtail catching insects in mid-flight at a hatchpool on the River Avon in Woodford Valley, Wiltshire. The recently cut weed was a haven for a variety of insects. It took several trips to capture this exact moment, showing insect in beak combined with swirling water in the background.”
Dick’s image of some old eel traps also secured third place – a remarkable achievement in a competition which is so hotly contested. “The old eel traps preserved on the River Test at Leckford are of historic significance, as they illustrate how the once prolific migration of eels was harvested – providing an important contribution to the local economy. The eel traps are visible from a public road bridge from where this photograph was taken; a polarising filter was essential, to reduce glare and show the lush green of the plant life,” explained Dick.
Wendy achieved a Highly Commended in the Still Life category for her image ‘Cabbage & Pears.’