09 July 2008

Blaenau Gwent SNAP! – the top photography and biodiversity competition – is back.

Entries are now open for budding photographers and for anyone who enjoys wildlife and exploring the countryside of Blaenau Gwent.

New for the competition this year are special categories for schools and for photographs of winter biodiversity and wildlife.

This is a great opportunity. Everyone who enters the 2008 Blaenau Gwent SNAP! Competition will get the chance to win one of a range of fantastic prizes and show off their photographs.

SNAP!, the Blaenau Gwent biodiversity photographic competition, is run by Blaenau Gwent Biodiversity Partnership with support from Blaenau Gwent Council and the Countryside Council for Wales.

The competition celebrates the rich biodiversity found in the county borough and encourages interest in the recording of local wildlife through an enjoyable past time – photography.

Councillor Don Wilcox, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration said:

“Every year SNAP! goes from strength to strength. Blaenau Gwent has a huge diversity of wildlife and natural open spaces.

“They are all there for everyone to enjoy and explore and to photograph – we must tell everyone about our fantastic biodiversity resources. We are committed to promoting our area, our communities and local wildlife.

“We are keen for local schools, youth clubs and community groups to get involved this year SNAP! has a new schools category with a schools trophy as prize.” 

The competition runs throughout the year and is open to everyone – whatever your age or ability.  There are five main categories:

• 11 years and under
• 12-17 years 
• 18 years and over
• Schools* and Winter Wildlife*

*introduced this year. 

Prizes include vouchers, trophies and the opportunity to have your photo used for an official Christmas card from the Council. All the awards are presented at a prestigious ceremony in November.

All you need to do is get outdoors and explore Blaenau Gwent’s rich wildlife and open spaces – you won’t need to travel far from home, as there are many great sites for wildlife in your local area.  Just some of these might include, ponds, woodlands, wildflower meadows, old churchyards and cemeteries – and don’t discount your own back garden.

Special consideration is given to photos of important habitats and species, which are identified in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, copies of which are available at local schools, libraries or from the Biodiversity Officer.

Handy tips

• Read the rules carefully
• No black and white photos please
• Think carefully about the subject matter before taking the photo
• Make sure the photo is in focus and make the judges wish they’d taken it
• Plan ahead and don’t leave it until the last minute. Take photos throughout the year
• Practice makes perfect. The more photos you take, the better you’ll get.
• Choose the best printer possible and use the best quality paper
• Pass on your records and report anything unusual to the biodiversity team

Application forms are available at the civic centre, council offices, local libraries, community centres and sports clubs. The closing date is Friday 17 October 2008.