The BVA has launched the 2021 BVA Veterinary Photographer of the Year Award and is calling on members with a creative eye to capture images of their daily work, of companion animals or of wildlife.

In 2019, Jennifer Dykes won the ‘All creatures great and small’ category with her picturesque image of a misty UK mountainside and flock of sheep, entitled ‘Conversations at Dawn’.

This year’s award is split into three categories which focus on images that capture the human-animal bond in day-to-day veterinary work, as well as photos of pets or wildlife taken outside of the working environment.

Submissions for each category can be taken on a phone or a high-spec camera, and should take into account responsible animal interaction, and positive animal health and welfare.

The three categories are:

  • A vet’s life in lockdown
    Images that reflect the extraordinary circumstances we have all been thrust into during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
  • All creatures great and small
    An opportunity to look at the vast diversity of the animal kingdom: domestic, agricultural and all aspects of wildlife.
  • Happy pets that make us smile
    Reflecting the joy of a happy, contented animal.
     

The winner or each category will get £250 worth of John Lewis vouchers and the plan is for the winning images, along with the highly commended entries, to be displayed at BVA Live on 24 – 25 June 2021.

BVA President, James Russell said: “The BVA Veterinary Photographer of the Year Award is something that we all look forward to, and the incredible array of eye-catching photos taken by people from across the veterinary community never ceases to impress me.

“In view of the current circumstances, we have introduced a new category: ‘A vet’s life in lockdown’, which we hope will produce some interesting documentation of how the profession has fared against a very challenging backdrop, like no other. 

“Whether you’re a semi-professional photographer or a casual snapper, we encourage you to enter and showcase your daily interactions with animals either at work or play, or your skill at capturing wildlife at its most beautiful, even if it is in your back garden, or on the windowsill.”

The competition is open to all current BVA members. Membership must be active at the time of entering. It will be judged by BVA officers among others. Entries will close on 8 March 2021 and winners will be announced in April. 

For more information and to submit your entry, visit: https://www.bva.co.uk/membership/photo-competition/.

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