Elspeth Holuding, marketing assistant at the Society of Biology, discusses the Society’s annual photography competition, open to absolutely anyone.
This year, the photography competition theme ‘Home, habitats and shelter’, could inspire you to capture a species in its natural or rare habitat, taking shelter from the elements or could focus on the more molecular level of biology, using a range of microscopy and imaging techniques.
With cameras everywhere in today’s society, it’s increasingly easier for anyone to become a photographer. I wouldn’t call myself much of a photographer, but I will always insist on a group picture at any event to put in my photo album.
Reasons why I photograph:
1. Capture a memory
Humans can survive in many different habitats, from the dry scorching dessert to the freezing arctic. With global warming impacting many species globally, it’s important that we capture animals in their native habitat, before they’re gone forever.
2. Note the complexity of life
The camera lens gives a different perspective to inanimate objects. Environments transform, light reflects and colours come alive- you’ll start to notice just how complex organisms around you really are.
3. Share it with friends and family
The old phrase ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ applies conversely to photography, as I believe a picture shared is an experience multiplied. The more people that experience your unique moment, the more admiration there will be for the landscape or organism.
Even if you consider yourself an amateur, why not enter the competition? You never know, you could be the winner…
Deadline for entries is 31st July.