A student from Solihull College & University Centre has been awarded the title of Youth Wildlife Filmmaker and Photographer of the Year. Hattie Pearce, 16,enteredBorn Free’s2021 Youth Wildlife Filmmaker and Photographer of the Year competition with her submission of a series of images of swans on the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon, along with an accompanying photo story. The stunning images earned her the coveted first place position.
Born Free’s aim was to inspire as many young people as possible to celebrate nature on their own doorstep through the medium of photography and filmmaking. Hattie was recently notified that she had won the 16 and under category. The judges loved her entry, stating: “Hattie is focusing on an important issue: how spending time in natures helps our mental health. She has focused on a beautiful swan, and I like the fact that her entry focuses on a single species. The black and white choice is creative, and the images are well executed, with simplicity. They demonstrate a keen sense of observation and achieve a therapeutic, calming feel.”
Hattie was thrilled to win the category. She comments: “I was completely stunned to hear I had won the competition and to win an award from a foundation such as Born Free is incredible. I was really excited and so pleased to have the title of Youth Photographer of the Year.”
Hattie’s mother Victoria added: “I think the expert tuition Hattie has had this year has helped to draw that talent out, inspire and push her to evaluate and improve on her performance.”
Hattie’s prize included a Jessops Canon EOS 2000D Digital SLR camera kit, publication of her work on the Born Free website and in a national press release.
