Chinese deer photographer is snap happy

Owen Hearn, 17, of Stewkley was runner-up in the 16 to 18-year-old category and received a commendation in the new Farm Animals section.

He scooped the runner-up award with his picture Early Morning Run which captured a Chinese water deer in full flight across a field.

He said: “Chinese water deer are among my favourite to photograph. Thanks to escapees from Whipsnade Zoo, they are now locals in the farmland surrounding my home.
“This picture was taken in late December. I was crouching at the edge of a field of oilseed rape when this deer ran across. I managed to capture him in full flight in the early morning sun with the frost still on the ground.”
Owen was also commended for his entry in the new Farm Animals category. His image Breakfast Time depicted cattle in a frosty field.

The talented youngster, who lives in High Street South, won the top award last year as well as ebing named Veolia Environment Young Photographer of the Year in 2012.

Harry Butler, 17, also took some top accolades when he was named runner-up in the Farm Animals category, with another picture being commended. He was also commended in the 16-18 category.

The winning images in the RSPCA Young Photographer of the Year were shortlisted by a panel of judges, made up of wildlife photographers and industry experts led by BBC Springwatch’s Chris Packham.

The popular presenter said: “This year’s entrants were really at an exceptional standard – we had some very tough decisions to make.

“The skills that are showcased every year never fail to impress me. The inventiveness and creativity demonstrated by such young people is fantastic. I hope they will carry on taking photographs long into the future so we can all enjoy more of their work.”
Fellow judge and wildlife photographer Andrew Forsyth said: “They produce such sophisticated images but with a fresh vision that is unique to this competition.”

> More pics and information at www.rspca.org.uk/ypa