BVA announces annual photography competition
The categories include companion animal photography and wildlife photography.
The BVA has launched its annual photography competition, with a £250 John Lewis voucher for the winners and a chance for the images to go on display at BVA Live.
BVA's Veterinary Photographer of the Year Award is split into three categories, focussing on images that capture the human-animal bond in everyday veterinary work, as well as companion animal and wildlife photography.
Last year's winners include Laura Caballero Pastor, who scooped first place in the 'One Veterinary Community' category with her shot of Nepalese locals vaccinating a street dog against rabies. Jennifer Dykes won the ‘All creatures great and small’ category with her picturesque image of a misty UK mountainside and flock of sheep.
No expensive photography equipment is required as submissions for each category can be shot on a mobile phone or a high-spec camera. The three categories are:
- a vet’s life in lockdown - Images that reflect the extraordinary circumstances we have all been thrust into during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
- all creatures great and small - An opportunity to look at the vast diversity of the animal kingdom: domestic, agricultural and all aspects of wildlife.
- happy pets that make us smile - Reflecting the joy of a happy, contented animal.
“In view of the current circumstances, we have introduced a new category: ‘A vet’s life in lockdown’, which we hope will produce some interesting documentation of how the profession has fared against a very challenging backdrop, like no other.
“Now in its fifth year, the competition always attracts high quality, diverse and often poignant imagery. I am very excited to be part of the judging panel and to have the opportunity to see the amazing images submitted this year.
“Whether you’re a semi-professional photographer or a casual snapper, we encourage you to enter and showcase your daily interactions with animals either at work or play, or your skill at capturing wildlife at its most beautiful, even if it is in your back garden, or on the windowsill.”
The competition is open to all current BVA members and will be judged by BVA officers among others. Entries will close on 8 March 2021 with the winners announced in April.
Because of the current national lockdowns, BVA is reminding entrants not to breach any guidelines just to get ‘the perfect shot’. Photos that are taken around the home, garden and local area are encouraged. Photographs from the past will also be accepted.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
