Middle with ‘Curious Wagtail’ is Christopher Andreou. Far left Lugano Kapembwa and judges David Catteridge, Peter Matthews and Lesley Johnson. Pic: Canary Wharf
The winners of the first ever Canary Wharf Wildlife Photography Competition have been announced at an awards ceremony at ClubLounge 39, at One Canada Square.
Overall winner was Christopher Andreou, with ‘Curious Wagtail.’ He also won the over-25 category with the same picture.
Judge Lesley Johnson said: “Christopher’s entry was chosen because it perfectly captured the wildlife here at Canary Wharf. Technically it was also a great shot and stood out, bringing out the colours and vibrancy of the image, a very well deserved winner.”
Winner of the 16 – 24 category was Demi Squires with ‘The Silhouette.’ Pic: Danielle Tatton
The winners received a £100 Canary Wharf gift voucher. Squires said she looks forward to spending it on clothes. She told East London Lines: “My mum works in Canary Wharf and told me about the competition. It was November and very cold. I took about 30 pictures before I settled on this one. I would definitely consider entering a photography competition again.”
Noah Masters won the under 15 category with ‘Crow and Jubilee.’ Pic: Danielle Tatton
The photographs were displayed on tables in the members club, against a spectacular night view from the 39th floor of the financial district, more commonly considered a concrete jungle than home to over 1,000 mature trees, fish, eels and a favourable nesting ground for a variety of birds.
The judges are very familiar with the area and remember when it was just a “muddy pit in the ground.” Lesley Johnson looks after the Canary Wharf image library and has been with the company for over 27 years. She is also a part time photographer.
Fellow judge David Catteridge is a freelance wildlife photographer and regular contributor to a number of bird magazines and television programmes. The third judge, Peter Matthews, is the Canary Wharf photographer of 25 years and proud resident of east London.
Canary Wharf Environmental Manager Lugano Kapembwa was determined that the competition would demonstrate the biodiversity on the estate and said: “The competition drew several entries and it was difficult to select just one winner. However, Christopher deserved to win, as his work was a true reflection of the diversity of wildlife here on the Estate.”
This competition is now set to be an annual event. Kapembwa added: “ We look forward to hosting this competition again and encourage everyone to take part.”
