Snapshot of Dorset wildlife competition

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is encouraging more young people to go outside this summer and enter the Pat Dolbear digital photograph competition, with their up-close snapshots of wildlife.

Set up in September 2012 by Ken Dolbear MBE, in loving memory of his late wife, the Pat Dolbear Photographic Award specifically aims to get young people enjoying the wildlife around them by inviting them to take pictures of all the weird and wonderful wildlife they see.

The competition is open to anyone under 18 who has taken a wildlife picture on their phone or camera. Each month a panel of judges picks the best images, based on photographic creativity, photographic quality and rarity of the creature. Prizes of up to £20 in Amazon vouchers will be awarded to young photographers who demonstrate their wildlife photographic talent to the judges.

Ken Dolbear says, “We set up the photograph competition in the hope it would stimulate the younger generation to look, see, photograph and understand the wonderful world of nature; particularly insects, which are the basis for all life on Earth. I hope the competition will encourage young people to go out and explore the natural world around them.”

Ken is also offering some tips to get the perfect photo: “When out taking photos it’s important to move slowly and steadily, and try not to make any sudden movements. Be sure to check any hedgerows for insects hiding in the foliage- flowers are also great places to get pictures of them feeding. Remember to take several shots of your subject to guarantee you get the perfect shot. Creatures like Butterflies can be quite difficult to photograph and are susceptible to movement, but are often much more approachable in the evening when you can get some fantastic photos of them basking in the warmth of the setting sun.”

To enter the Pat Dolbear Photographic Award, send photos to photocomp@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk including your name and age and some detail about when and where the photo was taken.