Guildford Photographer Scoops Nature Trophy

Published on: 1 Jun, 2017
Updated on: 3 Jun, 2017

Kate Albert’s photo of a dragonfly taken at Boldermere, near Effingham

A stunning image of a dragonfly has won Guildford photographer Kate Albert a prestigious nature trophy.

“Migrant Hawker Dragonfly” scooped the top prize of the Mary Darke Trophy at Guildford Photographic Society’s annual nature photography content.

It was a tightly fought competition, but Kate’s image was judged to be the strongest by judge Eddie Hyde.

Kate is a keen amateur photographer who loves being outdoors capturing images of nature.

She says: “I feel so honoured to have won this award. I didn’t expect it at all as there are so many talented nature photographers within the club.

“I do have a passion for dragonflies. This particular image was taken at Boldermere, just off the A3 near Effingham. I spend many hours each summer trying to catch the perfect image.

“The weather plays a large part in success as dragonflies love the sun and hate wind and rain which is typical of an English summer. In these conditions they will hide high up in the trees and only appear if the wind drops and the sun comes out.

“It can take all summer to get the perfect shot and a lot of luck is involved! On this particular day everything came together for me.

“Apart from dragonflies, my love for nature photography ranges from the largest of animals seen on safari to the tiniest of insects with the odd botanical study thrown in, particularly if it has a bee or hoverfly on it!”

Willie Jamieson, Guildford Photographic Society chairman, said: “Kate, who only joined the club in September, produced a stunning image to win this contest, against very tough competition. It’s very pleasing to see an image, shot locally, do so well against other images taken all over the world.”

The Mary Darke Nature Trophy is named after a long-term member of Guildford Photographic Society who was a passionate advocate for wildlife, and for nature photography.

Guildford Photographic Society has over 90 members, ranging from beginners to advanced, all with a shared love of photography.

For more information and to join the club see http://www.guildfordphotosoc.org.uk or visit the club’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/guildfordphotographicsociety