Overall winner in the Natural World genre for January’s IOM Competition

So happy to have just received my framed image after it was chosen as the overall winner in the Natural World genre for January’s Guild of Photographers IOM Competition.

It is absolutely beautiful and just shows that framing is such an important art form that really brings an image to life. The frame has been perfectly chosen and compliments the image beautifully.

Printed and framed and gifted by One Vision imaging , thank you to The Guild Of Photographers & One Vision. It will take pride of place in my home.

The Guild of Photographers awards 2023

In February, The Guild of Photographers (TGOP) hosts its annual Awards Ceremony, a highly anticipated event among its members. This year's grand ceremony unfolded at the elegant Doubletree Hilton in Stoke-on-Trent. The event serves as a platform to acknowledge outstanding accomplishments, presenting coveted titles such as 'Image of the Year,' 'Photographer of the Year,' and the prestigious 'Photographers Bar' within specific categories. Winning any of these awards marks a noteworthy achievement for photographers.

I'm excited to announce that my efforts throughout the year were met with success, earning me several mentions during the Awards Ceremony. My primary objective was to achieve the Photographers Bar in the Natural World Category. The Guild defines this distinction as a prestigious acknowledgment of consistent excellence in photography. To attain the Photographers Bar in a specific category, members must submit a portfolio of four images, each scoring a minimum of 70 points in the Guild's meticulous evaluation process. Once earned in one category, members can strive to achieve this honor in other categories.

Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I secured the title of 'International Top 10 Photographer Of The Year' in the Natural World category. It was truly gratifying to see my image featured in the awards' official book, showcasing all the finalists.

These achievements serve as strong motivation for the upcoming year!

Top ten image of the year

Had some great news recently that one of my images has been selected by The Guild of Photographers as a top ten image of the year in the wildlife catagory. The final is in February where I will find out if I have won image of the year, but just to be shortlisted is an achievement in itself! See below a statement fro the Guild themselves;

The Guild is a highly respected UK based association for photographers, which has members from overseas as well. Each year it runs an online monthly photographic competition, judged by internationally respected judges, with awards given to the best entries. 



During 2023, the competition attracted c12,000 entries from the most talented of photographers.



It has recently been announced that from all the entries across the year, the Guild’s Judges have selected no more than 10 images in various genres to go forward to the annual Image of the Year Final. Those selected really are the best of the best, and an image(s) by RKS Images is one of those selected as a Finalist!



Guild Director Lesley Thirsk said “One of the Guild’s aims is to drive standards and creativity amongst photographers. Our competition certainly does that, for the standard of the entries we see each month is quite staggering. To have an image recognised by the Guild in the monthly competition is difficult enough, so to have an image selected as being one of the best in a category for the end of year Final is without doubt an incredible achievement, and shows just how talented photographer, RKS Images is.”

Short Eared Owls

As a wildlife photographer, there is always a sense of excitement when capturing images of elusive and rare birds. The short-eared owl, native to the UK, is one such bird that provides an unforgettable photography experience. With its distinctive appearance, unique behavior, and fascinating hunting techniques, this bird is a must-have on every wildlife photographer's bucket list.

Appearance and Habitat

The short-eared owl is a medium-sized owl with a wingspan of around 40-50 cm. It has large yellow eyes, a round head, and a short tail. Its most distinctive feature is the tufts of feathers on its head, which resemble ears, hence the name "short-eared owl." These tufts are not actually ears, but serve as camouflage and make the bird look more like a twig or a bush.

These owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including marshes, grasslands, and moorlands. They are also known to inhabit farmland and coastal areas, especially during the winter months when food is scarce.

Hunting Techniques

One of the most remarkable features of the short-eared owl is its hunting style. Unlike other owl species, which hunt mostly at night, the short-eared owl is active during the day and is a skilled hunter, often hunting over open ground in search of its prey. This makes it a fascinating subject to watch and photograph.

When it comes to capturing the essence of the short-eared owl, it's all about patience and persistence. These birds are naturally shy and tend to keep their distance from humans, so it's important to approach them carefully and quietly.

Equipment

A good lens, with a long focal length and image stabilizationization, is essential for capturing the detail and beauty of the owl's features. It's also a good idea to use a tripod, especially when shooting in low light conditions.

They are definitely one of my favourite birds to photograph, so amazing to see such beautiful animals in the UK.