North East Photography Awards

A very good evening on Thursday 9^th July at the North East Photography Awards at the Great North Museum-Hancock.

Once again lots of entries and a large attendance, so large on this occasion that meant that we were moved upstairs to a large room and even then there was extra seats brought in.  George McGavin of TV fame gave an excellent presentation and the fact that I’d seen much of this at a previous talk given by George made it no less interesting.  George does not take himself too seriously, a good trait often found in people who really do know their subject.  Well done to all concerned with the arrangements and all those who entered the competition.

I was there on the night especially, as I knew Sam (Underthehood) had five images shortlisted on his first time of entering the adult sections.  I’m more than pleased to say that Sam won the Wildlife in Action section with a stunning image of a Great Crested Grebe on Killingworth Lake.  Sam has spent more time watching and photographing these grebes than anyone I know, and not just when the birds are displaying, so the award could not have gone to a more appropriate person.  The image which was actually taken in June is a stunner and I believe was certainly up there with the best entries.  This award comes after a earlier this year winning the junior section of the Scottish Nature Photography Competition, so this guy is on a roll at the moment. 

CONGRATULATION SAM!  A very well deserved win.

The man himself...Sam

Unfortunately Sam wasn’t able to be there on the night as he was on an island in the Firth of Forth.   At the Bird Observatory on the Isle of May participating on a week’s Young Birders Course with the SOC. Am I envious?  Well just a tad.  (I’m actually as green as a Goblins Gumboots).