The judges have chosen their winning entries for the first ever Royal Parks photo competition.
The standard of entries was as high as you'd expect from some of the most iconic locations in Greater London, with hundreds of images submitted from across all the the Royal Parks and Brompton Cemetery. The photos highlighted the amazing mix of nature, history and world class events that make the parks must-visit locations for locals and tourists alike.
Overall winner
A pelican in St James's Park, by Blue Popovic (https://www.facebook.com/BluePopovicPhotography).
Judge Simon Richards, Head of Parks Operations at The Royal Parks, said;
“This striking photo is a wonderful combination of wildlife and history, two of the things synonymous with the Royal Parks. Pelicans have been resident in St James’s Park since 1664. Not always seen as the most graceful creatures, here you can see the bird’s beautiful colouring and plumage.
“The pelicans are used to strutting in front of admiring crowds, but the photographer has captured what looks like an intimate moment with the bird appearing to hide its face from the camera. A worthy winner among a very high level of entries.”
Winner Blue Popovich said:
“The Royal Parks present Londoners and any visitors alike with a vast array of tranquil havens, whether for a lunchtime office break or a family weekend stroll.
"The variety of plant species and wildlife is astounding, offering photographers of all levels rich opportunities for beautiful shots in theatrical settings. I love visiting the Royal Parks as I never know what I'm going to see!"
Nature winner
A stag in Richmond Park, by Bartek Olszewski (https://www.instagram.com/1wildshot/).
Judge Sheena Harvey, Editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine, said:
"A striking and evocative image of a rutting stag scooping bracken into its antlers to look larger and more dominant. Having observed the activity the photographer must have carefully chosen an angle for the shot that would encompass the animal’s entire profile as well as the arc of scattered leaves and snow.
"The sweeping motion is caught in such a way as to convey the power of the head toss, and you can almost hear the rustle of leaves and twigs as they settle."
People winner
'Odd Couple'. Two friends at Pen Ponds in Richmond Park, by Steve Brenman (https://www.instagram.com/stevebrenman1).
Judge Joseph Constable, Assistant Curator at The Serpentine Gallery, said:
"The photographer has captured a scene that is humorous and fun, which illustrates how lucky visitors to The Royal Parks are to be able to get so close to nature and wildlife.
"The image is both beautifully timed and framed, with excellent light and composition. It clearly reflects a photographer with an eye for detail and, through witty observation, an ability to highlight everyday idiosyncrasies throughout the city."
Events winner
The Ride London event in Richmond Park, by Ingrid Demaerschalk.
Judge Mark Laing, photographer at Greywolf Studios, said:
"This lovely photo was taken by a someone who understands composition. Shot with a medium telephoto lens, the cityscape has been pulled into the shot and highlights Richmond Park’s proximity to the heart of London, whilst still looking like a country setting."
History and heritage winner
The Diana Fountain in Bushy Park, by Tim Davis (https://www.instagram.com/tim_davis_photography).
Judge Wesley Kerr OBE, Trustee of The Royal Parks, said:
"The photograph is an incredibly evocative and moving image of one of my favourite places in one of the most beautiful parks in the world, at the apex of two majestic avenues intended by the last Stuart King, William of Orange to be a ceremonial entrance to Hampton Court Palace.
"The photographer has superbly captured the intense mustardy winter light, the reflections in the huge circular pond and the delicate tree branches. Above all there is a clarity to the prodigious statue of Roman Goddess Diana. It was created in the 1630s for Somerset House before being moved to Bushy Park in the early 1700s, making it one of the oldest on public display in Greater London.
"The setting sun seems to be offering obeisance to the statue and its great podium, or maybe it’s the other way round!"
Huge congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who took part!
Other entries
We received almost 350 amazing entries. Here are some of our favourites.
