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.”

Journey to Skomer Island: A Photographer's Tale

From the moment I first landed on Skomer Island, I knew I was not going to just photograph puffins but to immerse myself into the island's unique rhythms and customs.

Once the boat docked at the island's rocky harbor, we faced our first task as temporary islanders. We formed a human chain to pass all the bags up the steep steps. Each bag, each item of necessity was transferred hand to hand with camaraderie, before being loaded onto a small tractor. This tractor would then carry our belongings to the rustic farmhouse that was to be our accommodation for the duration of our stay.

The farmhouse, charming in its simplicity, was a reminder of a bygone era. It was basic, yes, but it was clean, cozy, and utterly in sync with the surrounding wilderness. However, let me assure you that when they say basic, they do mean it. Do not expect hot water to always be available, and power outlets are a rare commodity. I'd strongly recommend packing a warm sleeping bag - despite the invitingly sunny days, nights on the island can get quite chilly.

I was incredibly lucky to be graced with fantastic weather during my stay. The days were warm and clear, while the nights were cool and crisp. This made for spectacular sunsets and sunrises, the fiery hues dancing over the Atlantic and painting the puffins in a radiant, golden light. There was something truly special about standing at the edge of the island, watching the sun disappear or emerge from the horizon, all while being accompanied by the comical, yet intriguing, figures of puffins.

The island was a visual treat during this time of the year, bathed in a vibrant carpet of bluebells and wildflowers. The flora added an enchanting backdrop to my photographs and enhanced the overall experience. With every puffin that I captured through my lens, I was also capturing a small piece of the island's captivating beauty.

But the magic wasn't confined to just the day. Come nighttime, I was privileged to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Manx Shearwaters returning to the island. Armed with a red light to guide our path, we ventured into the darkness, listening to the sounds of thousands of birds returning home after a day at sea. As they swooped and swirled around us, we had to be ready to duck at a moment's notice to avoid any potential feathered collisions.

However, the most magical moments of my journey were at the start and end of each day. During these times, the day-trippers were gone, and we had the island to ourselves. It was during these hours that I was able to spend my time photographing the puffins in the beautiful golden light. Their quirky behaviors, their interactions, and their sheer resilience made for some amazing photographic opportunities.

My journey to Skomer Island was an unforgettable experience. Not only was I able to capture stunning photographs of puffins, but I also got to immerse myself in the island's unique rhythm. It was a journey that taught me to appreciate the simple things in life and the importance of preserving the beauty of nature.

My secret weapon that I never leave home without

As a passionate photographer, I've used countless gadgets and tools over the years to enhance my photography experience. But there's one tool that has truly become my favorite and indispensable companion: the 3 Legged Thing Toolz. This multi-functional carabiner keyring is not only stylish but incredibly practical, offering an array of features that have made it an essential part of my photography gear.

The 3 Legged Thing Toolz: Your Compact Photography Assistant

The 3 Legged Thing Toolz is a compact and lightweight tool that every photographer should have in their arsenal. It's a multi-tool carabiner keyring that features a hex tool, coin key, and bottle-opener – making it the perfect companion for photographers on the go. Here are some of its main functions that have made it an indispensable tool in my photography kit:

1. Hand tool to help clip extra weights to your tripod

One of the major challenges photographers face is keeping their tripods steady in windy conditions or on uneven terrain. This is where the 3 Legged Thing Toolz comes in handy. Its carabiner design allows you to effortlessly clip extra weights, such as your camera bag or any other weighted object, to your tripod. This helps stabilize the tripod and prevent it from tipping over during long exposures or time-lapses.

1. Quick tightener tool – no more coins to tighten your plate to your camera!

If you've ever found yourself fumbling for a coin or any other makeshift tool to tighten the plate on your camera, you'll appreciate the 3 Legged Thing Toolz's coin key feature. This quick tightener tool lets you securely fasten your camera plate to the tripod head without the need for coins or other improvised tools. Simply use the coin key on the Toolz to tighten or loosen the screw, making it a breeze to switch between setups or adjust your gear.

1. Bottle-opener – stay refreshed during your photography sessions

As a bonus feature, the 3 Legged Thing Toolz also includes a bottle-opener! This nifty addition is perfect for those long photography sessions when you need a refreshing drink to keep you going. Not only is it a practical feature, but it also highlights the thoughtfulness behind the design of this multi-tool.

Conclusion

The 3 Legged Thing Toolz has truly become an invaluable addition to my photography gear. Its compact design and multi-functionality make it the perfect tool for photographers of all levels. From easily adding stability to your tripod to ensuring your camera plate is securely fastened, this handy carabiner keyring is a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their photography experience.

So, if you haven't already, consider adding the 3 Legged Thing Toolz to your photography kit – I'm sure you'll find it as indispensable as I do!

Get yours here

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.