Colchester photographer up for prize at British Photography Awards

Andrew Neal, 38, of Dudley Close, Colchester, has been shortlisted for the People's Choice Award in the Macro and Land Animal category at this year's British Photography Awards.

His Macro entry is of a highly detailed cuckoo bee which he snapped at the Middlewick Ranges in Colchester.

For the Land Animal category, meanwhile, Andrew took a fantastic image of an adder snake at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve.

In his element - Andrew is a wildlife photographer and enjoys being outside (Image: Andrew Neal)

The photographer, who was blown away after finding out his images were being considered for two top prizes, said: "To have two photos shortlisted in such prestigious awards was a real surprise.

“Having these two images chosen was particularly special as they both have more significance to them than a lot of other photos I’ve taken.

Prize worthy - Andrew's cuckoo bee image is up for an award in the macro category (Image: Andrew Neal)

“The cuckoo bee photo was taken one evening on Middlewick Ranges, a location I have spent many years looking for wildlife. 

“This bee gets its name unsurprisingly by the fact that it lays eggs in other insects' nests. I photographed this individual after dark, sleeping on the tip of a tiny stick.

“I’ve always known the significance of the wildlife found on the Wick. There are certain species, particularly invertebrates, that I have only ever found there."

The adder photograph, which Andrew has entitled Zigzag, is also an image which means a lot to him due to the type of snake he pictured “rarely” appearing in “photogenic spots” within Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve.

Stunning - Andrew's Zigzag photo of an adder snake is also up for an award (Image: Andrew Neal)

Andrew is now hoping the endless hours he spent trying to snap the perfect image will impress those making the decisions at the British Photography Awards.

"Winning a category would be pretty incredible," he said.

"Like many photographers, I'm hyper critical about my own work which I think overall is a good thing because you can pick out aspects to improve on.

"Knowing the judges have seen something in your photo that makes it stand out for them would certainly provide some additional reassurance.

"I'm certainly not expecting to win, given how incredible the photography is throughout the awards this year.

"But making it into the shortlist is already above and beyond anything I could have anticipated."

The winner of each of the 19 categories will be announced at a glamorous black tie event at The Dorchester, in Park lane, London, on November 10.

To vote for Andrew’s entries from now until October 31 visit tinyurl.com/y7b2vb7j.