Focus on nature

Take a moment to marvel at pixel perfect pictures. From dramatic displays to close encounters and macro detail, we showcase our wetland nature in all its glory.

Our Waterlife photography competition never ceases to amaze us. Your talent, patience and eye for detail brings our glorious wetlands to life in ways that continue to surprise and delight us.

This year’s entries showcased exceptional technical skills, creativity and passion. Thank you to everyone who took part in 2024 - for sharing your stunning photography and celebrating the nature we all love.

Particular mention goes to all our finalists! Congratulations to our adult winner, Robert Singleton, who wins a pair of Viking Optical Osprey 8x42 binoculars. And the winner of our youth category (under 16), Katrina Vidaseva, who receives a pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars.

Our special thanks to Viking Optical and Swarovski Optik for supporting our competition and, again, to our members!

Adult winner: Robert Singleton

Image title: On guard!
Captured at: WWT Martin Mere

Robert says: “Last November, I spent some time photographing the godwits and ruff from the Discovery Hide. The birds were quite territorial. Though they tolerated other species, if one of their own approached, a fight often erupted. Some of their clashes were quite violent, though thankfully no lasting injuries were incurred.”

The judges say: “Robert proves there’s something to see at a WWT wetland at any time of year by capturing the moment these warring waders (ruff) hit a perfect pose. Bright-orange feet outstretched like rapiers, wings flung back with beautiful feather detail, this image has energy, drama and grace. The shimmering winter-grey water backdrop is the perfect foil for the duellers. The judges unanimously named it the winner.

Runner up: Jonathan Lewis

Image title: Supernatural life form
Captured at: WWT Llanelli

Jonathan says: “I found this angle shades moth around the path to the ponds at Llanelli. I used a camera with a macro lens, flash and diffuser. To get the whole moth in sharp focus, I adopted a technique called focus stacking. I took 30–50 frames that were then combined in Photoshop to give this amazing depth of field.”

The judges say: “This otherworldly image blew us away. A species that hides in plain view by looking like a leaf is revealed in all its mysterious and wonderful beauty due to Jonathan’s mastery of macro-photography and stacking. The arresting eyes, exquisite texture, flamboyantly shaped legs and delicately scalloped thorax are rendered visible – something we’d never otherwise have seen. Bravo!”

Detailed close up of a southern hawker dragonfly in flight

Youth winner: Katrina Vidaseva

Image title: Spirit duck
Captured at: WWT London

Katrina says: “Bufflehead are so striking with their black-and-white plumage and iridescent head feathers. I sat down at the water’s edge in the hope of capturing one of these unusual ducks at eye level. The water was perfectly still allowing me to capture this reflection.”

The judges say: “Katrina has created a painterly portrait of this small and energetic sea duck. The simple but dramatic composition focuses the eye on the bird’s remarkable rainbow head feathers, crowned by water droplets from a recent dive. Creative post-processing has maximised the monochrome effect, turning a dull day into a stunning still life. Well done.”

Detailed close up of a Norfolk hawker dragonfly in flight, with distinctive blurry wings

Special commendation:
Eden Tanner

Image title: Touch down
Captured at: WWT Slimbridge

Eden says: “One bright March morning, I was in the Rushy Pen Hide with my camera focused on a spot over the water, waiting for birds to fly past. Suddenly, this redshank came into view, gliding low over the lake. I instinctively fired off a few frames before it landed. Luckily the autofocus managed to keep up!”

The judges say: “With excellent forward planning and lightning reactions, Eden has captured the magical moment this redshank comes in to land. In this gorgeous spacious composition, every detail of the bird’s plumage is illuminated, from the glowing-orange legs to the catchlight in its eye. The effect is doubled by the mirror-like reflection. The trailing wing caressing the still water makes it a winner!”

The best of the rest

Selecting the final shortlist for our printed feature in Waterlife - our membership magazine, is always a tough job. This year was no different! We were blown away by your creativity and skill. So, we’re delighted to share more of your photography here. Click on each photo…

Click on each photo to enlarge it and scroll through the gallery.

Feeling inspired?