The Challenge In Pictures
One question I am occasionally asked is what counts as a nature photograph in Ian’s Daily Photo Challenge.
Over the years the challenge has included everything from tiny insects and colourful fungi to sweeping landscapes and the occasional moment that simply made me smile.
Here are a few examples from the different corners of nature that have appeared during the challenge.
Insects and Wildlife
From common garden visitors to species I’ve never seen before,
insects and wildlife often provide some of the most rewarding discoveries.
Sometimes they’re hiding in plain sight and sometimes they make me work hard to find them.
A recently emerged summer chafer, still with all of its hairs attached
An amazingly relaxed hoverfly on an oxeye daisy, casually stretched out
A pupating caterpillar I somehow manage to spot, it was attached and hiding under a grass stem
Flowers and Plants
Nature doesn’t have to fly, crawl or run to be interesting. Wildflowers, seed heads and unusual plant shapes have provided countless daily photographs over the years.
A little arty moment I had, balancing a physalis seedhead on top of a dandelion clock
This is my optical illusion magnolia, the brain can’t stop thinking it is floating
Some lovely snowdrops growing through an incredibly vibrant dogwood
Trees and Woodland
Woodland walks are a regular source of inspiration, from ancient trees and woodland paths to the changing colours of the seasons.
One of our favourite places, Limetree Avenue at Clumber Park
A simple idea for you, find a favourite tree and watch it change through the seasons
A lovely and smelly woodland path, that is lined by wild garlic
Fungi
Some of the most fascinating discoveries appear when conditions are right. Fungi can be colourful, strange-looking and often surprisingly short-lived.
Fly agaric and chances are this is the 1st image anyone thinks of when you say toadstools
Amethyst deceiver and our favourite fungi, always love seeing these every year
Boletus of sorts and they always look like teacakes sat on top of a toadstool stem
Landscapes and Seasonal Changes
Not every photograph is a close-up. Sometimes it’s the wider view, changing weather or a beautiful landscape that catches my eye.
Garden Wildlife
You don’t always need to travel far to find nature. Many challenge photographs have been taken in the garden, proving wildlife can often be found right outside the back door.
Not everyone’s friend sorry, but we do love seeing spiders
A very grateful great tit that was stripping one of Rolo’s tennis balls for nesting
I’m not sure you can get more ‘cuter’ than this baby wren can you?
The Lighter Side of Nature
Every now and then nature seems determined to make me smile. These are some of the photographs that sparked a laugh, a bad joke or an unexpected story.
A rock I spotted by a river, he looked very happy and smiley with his natural hairpiece
Here is a very naughty hippo who stole one of my biscuits, from a job I was working on
Mrs Lawns spotted this very unhappy oak on our coffee stop, not surprised as it has been hit on the head with a hammer
The Challenge Rules
Every photograph is taken on the day it is shared.
All photographs are taken using a mobile phone.
No images are taken from a back catalogue.
The aim is not perfection, but to encourage people to get outside, notice the natural world and discover what can be found close to home.
These photographs represent just a small selection from more than four years of daily nature photography.
Many more can be found throughout the books and annual collections.
pAckaging
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Thank you.
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