A nine-year-old boy from Southampton beat his fear of spiders to capture an award-winning photo.
Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb won the ‘Under 12 mobile’ category for his photo of a spider in a web in the prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2023, hosted by wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham.
Nine-year-old Flynn captured the arachnid with a macro lens which meant he had to be very close to the spider.
He was so intent on getting the picture that he completely forgot he was scared of the eight-legged specie.
The judges liked the colours of the photo capturing the spider against the evening sun perfectly.
Flynn said: “I’ve always had a love of animals - my first word ever said was ‘bird.’
“My favourite animals to take pictures of are birds, squirrels, and foxes. I see so many birds coming into our garden.
“Since I got the camera, I’ve learned to identify birds and their sounds. I can recognise calls of buzzards, blackbirds, woodpeckers, bullfinches, great tits, blue tits, robins, and chiffchaffs!”
He added: “I keep a log of all the birds I have seen so far and take photos of them as memories.
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“I entered the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards because I want to show people that we are taking animals' homes away to build houses instead.”
Every year, the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards invites young people aged 18 years and under to capture the animal kingdom on a camera or a mobile device.
Winners were announced at an award ceremony at the Tower of London.
Flynn added: “When I was younger, I was scared of spiders but not anymore. When I was taking this picture, I had to be about an inch away from it, and so, I completely forgot I was scared of spiders!”
Mr Packham said: “Seeing children and young people express their connection to the natural world through these photographs is always so heartening to see, and this year I was blown away by how many superb photographs we received for the competition.
“The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is a real celebration of animals and the natural world, and I love taking part every year.
“I hope everyone who entered continues with their love of animals and photography and they should all be proud of their achievements.”
He added: “Next year, we hope to reach even more children through the Young Photographer Awards as the RSPCA celebrates its milestone 200th year.”
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