A captivating photograph of a common frog captured in a golden pool has claimed the top prize in a wildlife photography competition organized by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. The winning image was taken by photographer Peter Smith at Letcombe Valley in Oxfordshire, who managed to outshine hundreds of other competitors with his exceptional amphibian photograph.
The competition featured eight different categories ranging from "nature on your doorstep" to "mobile phone photography," attracting over 250 photograph submissions from talented photographers across the region. Among the notable winners was Tom Eastwood, who captured a great crested grebe and its young at the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham, earning him the birds photography award with his remarkable shot.
Reflecting on his prize-winning photograph, Smith explained the patience and dedication required to capture the perfect moment. "I knew that common frogs congregate every year to breed in a small pond at Letcombe, but no one knows exactly when they will do so, only that it is usually in February," he said. "So I kept an eye on the local nature reports for any hint of it starting, as well as visiting Letcombe several times until I finally got the right day."
Smith described the technical aspects of his winning shot, noting how natural lighting and environmental conditions came together perfectly. "I managed to capture this individual in the late afternoon sun with the reflections from the background foliage making the water appear golden," he explained. The photograph showcased not only technical skill but also the photographer's understanding of wildlife behavior and natural timing.
As the overall winner, Smith received a smart bird-feeder camera and bird-feeding accessories as his prize. Additionally, all winners in the competition will have the opportunity to participate in a wildlife photography masterclass, providing them with professional development opportunities to further enhance their skills. The winning images will also be featured in the Wildlife Trust's 2026 calendar, giving the photographers broader exposure for their work.
A distinguished panel of judges carefully reviewed the extensive collection of submissions to select winners across all categories. The competition highlighted the diverse wildlife found throughout Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, showcasing everything from backyard nature scenes to more specialized wildlife encounters captured through various photographic techniques and equipment.
