Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is inviting people of all ages to pick up their cameras and celebrate the natural world, with the launch of their new Wildlife Photography Competition.
The museum’s competition encourages budding photographers—from complete beginners to experienced enthusiasts—to capture the beauty of nature in their immediate surroundings, whether that’s in a garden, local park or the wider Shropshire countryside.
Fay Bailey, head of museum services at Shropshire Council, said:
“The theme of the competition is “Wildlife on Your Doorstep” and we are hoping to see photographs of wild animals and plants from across Shropshire that highlight the county’s biodiversity. It would be wonderful if the images also tell a story and showcase the creativity of the photographers.”
The competition has three age categories: 11 and under, ages 12–18, and adults (18+), making it accessible for families, schools and individuals alike.
Jeremy Blandford, deputy portfolio holder for homes and leisure at Shropshire Council, said:
“The wildlife photography competition is a great way for people across Shropshire to connect with the natural world. By encouraging people to look more closely at the wildlife around them, we’re hoping to inspire creativity, curiosity and a deeper appreciation of nature right on our doorstep.”
Entries must be submitted by Friday 27 March. Winners will be announced on Friday 10 April, and an exhibition of the entrants’ photographs will be displayed in the museum during the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.
The competition has been inspired by the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition that will be on display at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery from 25 April to 20 June. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixty-first year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London features some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe.
Winners of SMAG’s competition will receive free exhibition tickets to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition for themselves and their family.
For full competition details and exhibition information, visit the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery website.