Photography student Jacob Watson-Howland wins national photography award

With over 13,000 entries submitted, Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) student Jacob J Watson-Howland has won the Botanical Britain category in the British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2025 with his image Streetlit Snowdrop. 

Ranked in the top 0.1% of all entries, this prestigious competition celebrates the beauty of British wildlife across 11 categories, with the winning photographs exhibited in Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, and County Durham to celebrate. 

Speaking on his success, Jacob said: “I’m delighted my snowdrop image reached this far in such a prestigious competition. Flowers aren’t usually my subject of choice, so for it to be named the best botanical photo of 2025 in Britain is beyond exciting!” 

Captured with a Canon EOS R6 and Sigma 150-600mm, Streetlit Snowdrop focuses on a single snowdrop illuminated by a city streetlight, highlighting its resilience and adaptability to Britain’s changing climate. Reflecting on the image, Jacob said: “This botanical wonder is one of Britain’s earliest blooms, signalling the changing seasons. Its modest elegance inspired me to capture its beauty against an urban backdrop.” 

Director and judge of the BWPA, Will Nicholls, added: “With more than 13,000 images submitted to the competition, this is a truly fantastic achievement.”