I had two images shortlisted in Wildlife Photographer of the Year, one of the largest and most prestigious contests in wildlife photography. With over 60,000 entries submitted that year, being shortlisted was a significant personal milestone.
After entering WPY the previous year and making it past the first stage, I felt encouraged to continue submitting work. By 2023, I was confident in the images I had captured throughout the year and wanted to test them on one of the most competitive international platforms. The shortlisting confirmed that this confidence was well placed.
One of the shortlisted images, Cave Crèche, was taken inside an abandoned mineshaft in Cornwall. The photograph explored the hidden world of small wildlife in unusual habitats, capturing both detail and behaviour. Being recognised for this image was particularly rewarding because the subject and location had been explored out of personal interest rather than with a competition submission in mind. The second image, Sunset Solace, is one that I took during my recent trip to Malta. It shows a European Dwarf Mantis (Ameles spallanzania) resting one the jagged rocks as the sun sets over the cliffs and ocean.
Although neither image progressed beyond the first stage, being shortlisted in consecutive years was highly encouraging. It demonstrated that my work could compete on an international scale and provided motivation to continue entering competitions and refining my craft.
