Mating Flies image wins Spirit of Nature Photography Competition

Image: Larry Doherty

A photographer based in County Tipperary has won the Spirit of Nature Photography Competition with his stunning capture of mating flies.

Larry Doherty's image was chosen from hundreds of entries into the competition, which is organised by The Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers. 

The brief was to submit an image that "captures the essences and spirit of all aspects of nature and wildlife photography."

As the overall winner, Doherty has been awarded a one-year membership to The Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers (SINWP) organisation.

Doherty captured the image using an Olympus OM-D E-M5 II mirrorless camera, together with a M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm 1:2.8 Macro lens. 

To light the image, Doherty employed a Meike MK320 flashgun with a Lumiquest Softbox attached to the head, together with a homemade diffuser.

‘’These flies were on a sycamore tree trunk," explained Doherty. "The hardest part was making sure I got the two heads in focus. It took about three attempts to get the image I wanted.

 ‘’I'm thrilled to have my image chosen from the many other excellent photos... I look forward to being a member of the SINWP.’’

Two runners-up, Anne Woodington from Guernsey and Darren Athersmith from Cumbria, have each won themselves a six-month membership to the SINWP.

Phil Jones, the Societies CEO says, “The Spirit of Nature Competition brought in a tremendous high standard of images, with Larry’s shot capturing the essence of the subject brilliantly.’’

For more information, and to view all highly commended images, visit the The Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers website.