Past Judges Tips: Andy Rouse

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What makes a winning nature or bird photograph for you?

For me, it has to be is much more than just a bird on a stick picture. I want to feel like I am right there, I want the image to stop me turning a page. I want it to be a wow! But more than anything I want it to show the wonder of birds for all to see, to show why we must care about bird conservation as much as anything else in our lives.

I think first and foremost it’s the light that governs any bird images, it’s got to be either in early / late light or very dramatic light. Personally, I love atmospheric light, backlit, where the subject is small and it’s the light and habitat that defines the image. I don’t like full frame portraits as anyone can take them, it’s easy to have a big lens, blast away and get an in-focus shot. I want to see more than that, I want to see composition, forethought and an understanding of the subject. When all of these things combine I will know the images that are winners for me.

What key advice can you offer to entrants?

I would say be different, as different is good. Avoid bird on a stick or full frame portraits. Think habitat, think light and think abstract too. Feathers are beautiful works of art, use them to get others to love birds as you do. Give your images space to breathe, space to be enjoyed and to show the beauty of the scene. When you process it’s fine to be creative with the light, to darken / brighten, enhance mood and atmosphere just don’t add or remove anything. Birds only have two wings you know!!!