The University of Westminster’s Sustainability Team has hosted its first-ever Wildlife Photography Competition, showcasing the talent and creativity of students who have captured London’s wildlife at its best.
Among many outstanding entries, one photography series stood out, earning the top prize for its depiction of wildlife in an urban setting. The winning submission was a collaboration between two students, Lou-Ann Quentin from Westminster’s Psychology and Criminology BSc Honours course and Samuel Green who is studying on the Illustration BA Honours course. Both students share a love for photography, animals and nature.
The winning photographs were taken during a four-hour period in a specific nature reserve within Hyde Park, which is home to numerous animals including grey squirrels and ring-necked parakeets.
Photo credit: Lou-Ann Quentin and Samuel Green
When taking their photographs, Lou-Ann and Samuel respected the grey squirrels and ring-necked parakeets' space, standing outside the reserve’s fence to avoid disturbing the animals. Equipped with a Canon EOS R100 mirrorless camera, the photographers got low to the ground so that they were able to capture animals at eye level and to adapt to their swift movements.
When explaining the process, Lou-Ann said: "The animals in Hyde Park have become accustomed to human interaction, so we let them come to us. Photographing animals requires patience.”
The students selected five photographs of ring-necked parakeets and grey squirrels for their submission, with the sunny weather providing ideal conditions for photography.
Through their photography, winners Lou-Ann and Samuel aim to convey the beauty of London’s nature and wildlife. About the capital city and its wildlife, they said: "London is known worldwide for its beautiful wildlife, and our work showcases how well the city has conserved its ecosystem. We musn’t take our wildlife for granted, and we should appreciate everything that the Earth has naturally provided us with.”
Their work serves as a reminder to cherish and protect the natural world, especially within urban environments.
Lou-Ann and Samuel went on to offer valuable advice on sustainable and ethical practices for those interested in wildlife photography. They said: "Be respectful of the nature you photograph and of the animals’ boundaries. Attempt to capture them in their natural habitats and exhibit their natural behaviours. By doing so, photographers can create authentic images that celebrate wildlife at its best.
The University of Westminster's first Wildlife Photography Competition has not only highlighted the talent of its students but also underscored the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable practices.
Wildlife photography is linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land. By promoting SDG 15, wildlife photographers and conservationists work together to ensure the protection of ecosystems and wildlife for future generations. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Sustainable Development at Westminster.
Photo credit: Lou-Ann Quentin and Samuel Green
