Launched on 12 November, BASC’s Top Shots Photography Competition has proved to be hugely popular in its first year, attracting over 1,500 entries before the closing date of 1 February.
A stunning array of images were submitted to each of the four competition categories: Wildlife; In the field; Field to fork and Working dogs.
Indeed, the judges – a select panel of BASC staff – had their work cut out shortlisting and then choosing the overall winners of each category – so much so that they were left with no option but to compile a list of highly commended entries, which you can see in the March/April issue of Shooting and Conservation (pages 34-35).
And so, to the eagerly anticipated results…
In the field
Winner: Nigel Gidney
Judges’ comments: A beautiful, well-composed photograph that manages to capture that age-old tradition of passing on the passion for shooting – and everything that goes with it – to the next generation. The subtle outline provided by the light adds atmosphere. You can almost sense the anticipation of the young shot as they wait for a bird to head their way.
Nigel wins a Schoffel Country Ptarmigan Tweed range bundle.
Wildlife
Winner: David Scott
Judges’ comments: For a brief moment, what really makes this photo, is lost in a frame of plumage. But then you see it… The judges agreed that to capture this moment would have required an element of fieldcraft and patience. The result is a unique and clever photograph that shows the early days of a young grouse’s journey, tucked away safely under mother’s wing.
David wins a pair of Swarovski CL Companion 8×30 binoculars.
Working dogs
Winner: Celine Peniston-Bird
Judges’ comments: Technically, this photograph is excellent. The Labrador is perfectly in focus and the red-leg partridge is sufficiently out of focus to draw the viewers’ eyes to the dog. The photographer has done very well to capture a moment when the dog is in ‘mid-flight’, all eyes on the prize – a rare action shot not often encountered.
Celine wins 25 bags of Skinner’s Field & Trial dog food.
Field to fork
Winner: Steve Mutum
Judges’ comments: Good food plays a key part on a day’s shooting. Many of us can relate to the joy of elevenses on a shoot day, whether we’re shooting, beating or picking-up! This photograph represents game that has gone the full circle – it was harvested in the field and is now being served as scotch eggs, pies and sausage rolls. And look at that smile!
Steve wins a Flint & Flame 20-piece Classic knife set.
