Keen nature photographer and walker Deborah Clarke has been selected as this month’s South Pennines Park photography winner.
The retired research assistant says she almost always has her camera on her – and snapped this winning shot on her way back from a walk along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Deborah said: “I was walking along the canal and spotted the canalboat owner feeding the ducks on the frozen canal and it made me smile.”
This isn’t the first competition Deborah, 60, has entered. The talented amateur photographer, who is a member of the Bingley Camera Club, has previous had her work praised and featured in the Guardian, SheClicks social media group, the Dalesman magazine, and a National Parks UK competition.
The mum-of-two said she is always looking for new ways to use her Nikon D750.
She added: “It’s not a new camera, but I try to get the best out of my equipment. I’m always learning new tips and tricks and more recently I’ve enjoyed macro photography – extreme close-ups of butterflies and insects.”
Originally from County Durham, Deborah has lived in Yorkshire for 30 years – 20 of which have been in Bingley.
When asked about the South Pennines Park, Deborah said: “I’m really interested in nature conservation and what I love about Bingley is that it doesn’t take long to get out on the Moors. I regularly do several miles a day in local parks and woodlands, the canal and Bingley and Ilkley Moor – and I like to take my camera with me in a rucksack.
“I try and concentrate on what’s happening around me and pay attention to those special moments like this photography.
“It was great news hearing my photo had been selected for the February South Pennines Park photography competition.
“I was particularly pleased with my photograph of the canal boat owner feeding the local mallard ducks and gulls, when the canal was frozen over.
“One thing I find when I’m out with my camera is it can be a starter of conversation. In general people can be very curious about what you’re photographing and it’s good to share the wildlife sightings of the day.”
To enter the competition, visit southpenninespark.org/2022/12/28/launching-our-photography-competition/