Award winner John Eveson (left) with runner-up Marcello Garbagnoli. [Photo: Ruth Downing]
A stunning photo of an over-enthusiastic sheepdog at work won Guild Member John Eveson the Livestock Category of the 2015 Guild Photography Award.
John’s photo, taken at the Hawes sheepdog sale in North Yorkshire, was published in Farmers Guardian.
It scooped him prize money of £500, generously sponsored by St David’s Poultry Team and presented at the Guild Harvest Lunch on Thursday, 8 October.
Announcing the award, Guild Deputy Chairman Catherine Linch said the image (below) was a well-framed and expertly captured shot.
“It included all the elements of hill farming – dog, black-face sheep, dry stone walls and snow – to make it worthy of first place.”
John said he was delighted to have won the competition.
“I loved this shot because when young sheepdogs get carried away by their enthusiasm it provides entertainment for the crowd as the handler struggles to regain control.”
Richard Turner, director at St David’s Poultry Team, commended the overall quality of the entries, which made the judging process a difficult one.
“This was our first year sponsoring the award and it’s been a great experience,” he explained.
“We feel that it’s important to foster links between farmers, vets and the agricultural media, who play such an important role in communicating important messages both within the industry and to the wider world.”
Marcello Garbagnoli took home the runner’s up prize of £250, with his picture ofHighland cattle(below), which was also published in Farmers Guardian.
“You can really feel the wind blowing in the picture,” said Catherine.
“Windswept yet majestic, it’s a photograph which underlines why and how our livestock breeds thrive best in their own specific environments.”
Marcello said it was a privilege to be placed second among some great entries. “It is fantastic to have St David’s as a sponsor.
“The BGAJ photography competition is an important award as it gives all guild members the chance to show off their talent to the wider agricultural industry.”
Judges included Farmers Weekly picture editor Caroline Morley. “Photography is an important storytelling tool, capturing more than just information,” she said.
“In agriculture there are many stories to tell that deserve the best photography, and it is great that we are able to celebrate those people with their technical and creative skills through these awards.”
All the finalists’ entries can be seen here https://www.gaj.org.uk/award/guild-photography-award.
