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City life

City fisher

The silhouette of a bird underneath a pier.

Photographer

Jamie Smart

Category

City life – Winner 2024

Description

I was photographing shore birds on a beach under the pier of a well-known, busy town when this kingfisher flew under it and landed on the metal supports. The sun was going down and shining into my lens so I ended up with more of a silhouette look to the image, which I actually quite like the effect of. I turned it black and white to highlight the industrial look of the surroundings.

Soaking up the sunshine

A family of swallows with heads peeking out of storage barns.

Photographer

Anwen Whitehead

Category

City life – Runner-up 2024

Description

I took this photograph at Martin’s Haven in Wales, while waiting for the Skomer Island ferry to depart. I noticed the comings and goings of a family of swallows who’d taken up residence in old storage barns. I chose to centre the subject as I wanted to incorporate the brickwork in the foreground, which is in shadow and helps draw the viewer’s eye towards the subject. I also positioned myself side-on to ensure the barn door faded out of focus into the background.

City halo

A red-whiskered bulbul perched on a metal railing at sunset.

Photographer

Anton Poon

Category

City life – Commended 2024

Description

I took this photo at Lohas Park, in Hong Kong, while I was visiting. I spotted birds perched on a metal railing at sunset. After a lot of waiting and minor adjustments, I pictured a red-whiskered bulbul in front of the light from a high-rise flat, which acted as a halo. It took many attempts but eventually the sun reached the right angle to backlight the bulbul. This photo is my favourite as it captures a moment of calm in a busy and chaotic city.

Urban fox quenching its thirst from a street puddle

A fox drinking puddle water in a town centre.

Photographer

Chris Wardell

Category

City life – Commended 2024

Description

Over the last year, I’ve dedicated many evenings to watching a family of foxes in central Bristol. This vixen got used to my presence and seemed to accept that I wasn’t a threat. For this photo, I saw a large puddle near one of her favourite spots. I set up my lighting, with two off-camera flashes with diffusers, and exposed for the puddle. Then I waited. I took this shot when she came back to drink, lifting her head up cautiously, dripping with water.