Wesley Kristopher: Vote for snap of one of Sheffield's Barker's Pool Ducks in British Photography Awards 2024
A Sheffield snapper’s picture of the city’s famous Barker’s Pool Ducks has reached the shortlist of the British Photographer Awards - and he needs your vote.
Our city’s fine feathered friends, who are often seen taking a dip in the fountains by City Hall, could soon be famous the world over.
A picture of one of the ducks by Sheffield wildlife shutterbug Wesley Kristopher has been shortlisted in the ‘Birdlife’ category for the British Photography Awards 2024.
The colourful, comforting snap of a mallard caught relaxing in Barker’s Pool is in the running to earn both the popular vote and the judge’s favourite - but only with the Steel City’s help.
Wesley, 37, a baker in from Charnock, has been a wildlife photographer for seven years whose work shoppers may have walked past without knowing it.
A stunning photo he took of a lamb (titled ‘Woolly Jumper’) was featured in an official Countryfile calendar, a picture of a wintery robin at Graves Park has appeared on a Marks & Spencer’s shortbread tin.
He said: “I’m not normally a birder, but I like ducks and they’ve got such great character.
“I normally go shooting up in the Peak District but I saw a post about the ducks and I thought ‘I’ll have to go check that out,’ as I don’t get the chance to go to town often.
“I went and, luckily, there they were. I was there for hours and this picture was my favourite.
“They make people smile. Even while I was there people were stopping to take their own pictures and smile about it.
“I’ve got stiff competition in the awards, as I’m up against 20 others and there are some stunning pictures - but, then again, I think mine is quite quirky and could get the popular vote, or even the judge’s favourite.”
Voting closes on October 9, and Welsey will be invited to a gala on November 4 to learn who the winners are.
Watch the video attached above for five uninterrupted minutes of the Barker’s Pool Ducks enjoying their best life in city centre.
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