A dramatic lightning storm over the Fair City provided the spark for a Perth man’s winning image.
Connor McLaren (26) has not long worked as the car photographer at the local Porsche garage.
But his ‘hobby’ photography was recently given a boost when he won the Urban Greenspace category at the Scottish Nature Photography Awards.
Having entered in October, it was just last week that Connor, once a pupil at Tulloch Primary and Perth Academy, heard the good news.
And in addition, he was shortlisted in two other categories for his stunning nature photographs.
One - a close up of a shield bug - didn’t require him going far to find the tiny beastie.
“I saw the shield bug while taking a walk in Rodney Gardens,” said Connor. “It’s a great location for finding wildlife.
“I’d recommend exploring the Riverside Walk as a useful place to visit with a camera. In the past I’ve seen kingfishers and otters and there are creatures to spot right on the edge of the cityscape.”
He was lucky with the lightning shot, taken not far from the Perth walk following the River Tay.
“I took several different pictures, but this image, with the spire of St Matthew’s centre stage, captured the fork lightning most dramatically,” he told the PA.
“I got soaked in the process of photographing that storm. It wasn’t raining when I left the house and I wasn’t smart enough to bring an umbrella.
“By the time I was finished, I was soaked. I actually looked like I had been swimming in the river.”
Connor - who has Instagram and Facebook accounts promoting his photography - had never entered a big competition before he sent the pictures to the Nature Photography Awards.
“I’d never expected to win, so I can’t stop smiling,” he beamed.
“In the past I believe the Scottish Nature Photography Awards prize included travel opportunities. That’s not happening now, but I’m pleased enough just to get the bragging rights.”
