I am thrilled to announce that I have won the British Seasons Portfolio Category of the British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) Edition 14 in 2026, as well as being awarded Highly Commended with my "Bluebells at Sunrise" image that is included in the portfolio. I also am pleased to have six other photographs included in the Edition 14 coffee table book.
The BWPA is the most prestigious British nature photography competition, attracting over 13,000 entries in the 2026 edition of the competition. There are 11 main categories, with a winner, runner up and highly commended awards given. To be awarded one of the 11 winning placements is something I am extremely proud of.
In this blog post, I will share the portfolio, some stories about them, and describe how it feels to be included alongside some of the most inspirational photographers.
You can see the full BWPA 2026 Winners Gallery Here. Huge congratulations to all other photographers who have been awarded or included in the book!
The Winning Portfolio - BWPA British Seasons 2026
My portfolio that I entered for British Seasons shows British Woodlands throughout the seasons - quite aptly named "Woodlands Throughout the Year". Writing is definitely not my strong point!
I'm so pleased to show our magnificent woodlands in this portfolio category, and visualise the significant changes that happen through a year. Our woodlands are precious and delicate. I hope by showcasing them, we further our protection of them and cherish them for generations to come.
I described the work as follows:
"Across four distinct moments captured in British woodlands, the seasons unfold in atmospheric beauty: gentle sunbeams illuminate bluebells in springtime fog, summer’s vivid greens shimmer beneath misty canopies, autumn paints beech leaves in gold, and winter transforms a riverside scene into a frosted tranquillity.
Together, these scenes reflect nature’s cycle in Britain, marking the progression of time in Britain’s ever-changing forests. I feel so lucky, as photography brings me into direct rhythm with the seasons – giving me a front-row view of the spectacular annual changes that happen around us."
Spring: 'Springtime Sunbeams'
In the spring photograph, I chose a previously unshared bluebells & beech photograph from an incredibly memorable morning in a small Chilterns beechwood. The light is the real highlight in this photograph, lighting up the beechwood interior in the most spectacular colours. The purple flowers glow, the vivid fresh leaves stand out and the light provides a white layer of piercing beauty through the composition, softening the distant trees.
This moment was truly magical to watch unfold. Whilst I was capturing photographs, I was mostly just enjoying it with my own eyes. I know how rare this convergence of conditions is, so soaking it up and watching it was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.
I captured this photograph with my Sony A7RIV paired with the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art lens.
Camera Settings were 1/13s, f/11, ISO100 at 56mm focal length on a tripod.
This photograph was also awarded "Highly Commended" in the Wild Woods category of the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 - Edition 14.
British Seasons Winning Portfolio in British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 - Springtime Sunbeams
Summer: 'Sheltered in Summer'
For my Summer photograph, I chose a capture of beech trees that were backlit during a foggy sunrise. I just love the pillars of the beech trunks, and the deep greens of the leaves. Temperatures in summer are now often very high, and woodlands provide essential shelter and cooler temperatures for our wildlife. Trees are extremely efficient at absorbing heat, and helping cool our environment.
From a composition perspective, I love how these trunks work together in silouhette. The low growth on the central tree provides a key focal point to the photograph, and as you study it, your eye is drawn to various other aspects, such as the glowing light in the woodland void behind, the younger trees in the foreground and the deep greens at the edges of the frame. I also love the monotone style of this photograph, being blacks, greens and whites.
I captured this photograph with my Sony A7RIV paired with the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art lens.
Camera Settings were 3.2s, f/11, ISO100 at 48mm focal length on a tripod.
Note: There was no wind on this morning, hence the use of a long shutter speed without impact on the photograph. I wanted to ensure the light was "glowing" through the trees, and that the trees were silouhetted.
British Seasons Winning Portfolio in British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 - Sheltered in Summer
Autumn: 'Autumn Gold'
For my Autumn capture, I included this photograph of beech trees beside a woodland path. The trees were well into the autumn cycle, turning golden on the edges, providing that magical touch that the seasonal change brings. The bough that leans over the path was stunning, showing it's internal branch structure leaning over into the light. The fog fills the scene, glowing from the sunrise light, highlighting the colour changes that us photographers love in this season!
From a composition perspective, the key feature here is the main tree leaning over the path, and the path itself as a leading line. It draws the eye into the scene and invites you to imagine what it feels like to be there. In the foreground there are other tree branches and leaves filling the outer edges of the composition, further adding interest in all areas of this photograph.
I captured this photograph with my Sony A7RIV paired with the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art lens.
Camera Settings were 1/2s, f/8, ISO100 at 48mm focal length on a tripod.
British Seasons Winning Portfolio in British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 - Autumn Gold
Winter: 'Winter Whiteout'
For my winter photograph we move to the Scottish Highlands. I captured this photograph on a river that is surrounded on both sides by beautiful lichen/moss covered trees. The winters up in Scotland often have snow, however it is unpredictable and varies significantly in 'type'. I was fortunate at this time as it was very thick snow, and very powdery. This meant it covered every single branch and crevase along this river scene, turning it absolutely white. You can barely see any colour, except slight hints of green on the river banks. This is then 'doubled' by the calm river reflecting it all, making the whole scene a winter wonderland. This snow soon melted, as the temperature swung a massive 22 degrees from -11 to +11 in just one day.
From a composition perspecive, I love how all of the branches lean into the central part of the photograph. This leads the eye to where a couple of trees lean out over the river in the distance, which are reflected in the calm ripples of the river.
I captured this photograph with my Sony A7RIV paired with the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art lens.
Camera Settings were 1/25s, f/8, ISO100 at 54mm focal length on a tripod.
British Seasons Winning Portfolio in British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 - Winter Whiteout
The other photos that appear in the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 Book - Edition 14
I'm also extremely happy to say I have six other images included in the BWPA coffee table book. I've included these below, each with a caption.
Where Pixies Dwell - Fungi grows in abundence on this fallen beech stump. BWPA 2026 Edition 14 Book Inclusion
Autumn Gold - A beech tree retains it's lower golden foliage against thick fog and neighbouring tree trunks. BWPA 2026 Edition 14 Book Inclusion
In a Sea of Mist - Mist blankets the Oxfordshire landscape, where the sunrise casts shadows into the mist through the bare trees. Shown in Black and White. BWPA 2026 Edition 14 Book Inclusion
Bluebells & Beech - Using ICM, these bluebells and beech trees dissolve into colour and simple forms, allowing the mind to imagine being there. BWPA 2026 Edition 14 Book Inclusion
Floating above the Bluebells - BWPA 2026 Edition 14 Book Inclusion
Startled at Sunrise - A roe deer pauses whilst amongst bluebells in this beechwood - BWPA 2026 Edition 14 Book Inclusion
Just a final note - I'd like to say congratulations to all of the other awarded entrants, the gallery is truly incredible this year and it's always incredibly humbling to be included alongside you.
Thanks to the organisers and judges: this is an incredibly important competition that highlights the importance, beauty and fragilility of British wildlife & nature. The galleries have been a constant source of inspiration for me.
