We invite you to unleash your photographic skills in our Bee Trail Photography competition, as part of the 2025 focus on pollinators.

The competition is being run by the Town Council and Knutsford Photographic Society. It aims to raise awareness of pollinator insects and help reverse their decline. This is your chance to exercise your photography skills and help the campaign.

Winners will be announced during the Picnic in the Park event on 14th September, where 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category will receive their prizes.

Unleash your creativity and show the vital role of our pollinators through your lens. We can’t wait to see your work! Happy photographing!

CATEGORIES

We have three categories to encourage participation from everyone:

Under 16s

Open to budding photographers 16 and under, using any device (phone or camera).

Ages 17+ (Phone)

For those aged 17 and above, capturing the beauty with their phones.

Ages 17+ (Camera)

For keen photographers aged 17 and above, using a camera to create captivating images.

STEP ONE: GET SNAPPING

We're looking for photos of our pollinating insects in action so the photo should feature at least on pollinator and one flower. We want to see the insect in its environment.

STEP TWO: PICK YOUR SHOTS

Select your favourite shots. You can submit three photos into the competition, so pick the photos you are most proud of.

STEP THREE: SUBMISSION

Email your photos to: enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
Attach your photos to the email and ensure you provide your name, age and address.

STEP FOUR: THE WAIT

Now its the wait. Ensure you've got Picnic in the Park in your diary (14th September) as that's where we'll announce the winners and we'd love our winners to be there!

COMPETITION RULES

  1. Photos must be taken in Knutsford.
  2. Photos should feature one or more pollinator insects (e.g., bee, wasp, butterfly, moth, hoverfly, beetle) and include one or more flowers.
  3. Submissions must be digital photographs in JPEG format, sent via email to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.
  4. Each photo must have an associated caption describing what it is and where it was taken; for example, “Brimstone butterfly on clover on The Moor”.
  5.  Each photo must be an original work taken by the entrant and should not have been previously published.
  6. Entrants may submit up to three photographs.
  7.  The entrant grants Knutsford Town Council permission to use their photos for promotional purposes related to the Knutsford Bee Trail and other nature-related initiatives.
  8.  A panel will evaluate entries, and their decisions will be final.
  9.  All submissions must be received by 31st August, 2025.

JUDGING CRITERIA

  • The main feature of the photo must be the insect(s), which should be clearly visible and well-lit.
  • Context is important; the photo should depict the insect(s) within their environment, including flowers.
  • The photo should appear natural and not overly edited.
  • The image should create a strong visual impact.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Close-Up

Aim for the insect(s) to occupy more than half of the frame for dramatic effect.

Focus

Capture sharp images by focusing on the insect’s head.

Perspective

Shoot from a lower angle, at the insect(s) level, for a more engaging image.

Stability

Use a faster shutter speed to ensure clarity, especially on windy days or with moving insects.

Patience

Find a good flower, then wait quietly for pollinators to arrive.

Shadow Management

Be mindful of your own shadow; it may scare insects away.

Behavioural Shots

Capture the insect’s behaviour—feeding, collecting pollen, flying, mating, basking.

Be Quiet

Approach the subject calmly; insects are sensitive to sound.

Respect Nature

Avoid disturbing the insects or trampling on flowers and vegetation.