Mum's helping hand in daughter's photo prize bid

Jacki Gordon's mum Joan posed for this image that features a railway model figure painting varnish on to a fingernail

A Glasgow woman who became passionate about photography just five years ago has been shortlisted for the third consecutive time in the British Photography Awards.

Jacki Gordon, a retired mental health specialist, started out taking photos of wildlife and her collie dog Ollie.

During the Covid pandemic she took an interest in miniature photography, creating scenes using railway model figures and everyday items.

In the awards, she has been shortlisted two images - one featuring her mother Joan Rodney's hand and another of an Arctic fox in Iceland.

Jacki with her mum Joan

Jacki said: "The competition is fierce and people will see from the other photos the photographs are incredible.

"To feature among those amazing photographs and photographers is stunningly exciting."

The picture of her mum's hand has been shortlisted in the fine art category.

She said: "I get quite emotional about this photo.

"My mum actually hates her hands, but as a very loving mother she agreed to this photo.

"She has also got a great sense of humour."

The image shows a railway model figure painting nail varnish on Joan's fingernails.

Jacki photographed the Arctic fox while on a trip to Iceland

Jacki's interest in photography started with taking pictures of her dog Ollie

Jacki was on a wildlife tour in Iceland when she photographed the Arctic fox. The image has been shortlisted in the land animal category.

She said wildlife photography involved a big element of luck, but in Iceland she also had to contend with sub-zero temperatures and strong winds.

"The fox is in spindrift, so all the snow is swirling around in front of it," said Jacki.

"The camera wants to focus on a point that's nearest - the snow - so I had to focus behind the fox."

She added: "I'm very, very happy with the photo, and feel very, very lucky."

Awards director Hugo Donnithorne-Tait said: "Jacki was shortlisted in multiple categories which is a feat in itself and showcases how versatile of a photographer she is.

"We are overjoyed that photographers like her enter each year and support our 20 charities - and we can't wait for our gala in November.

"We wish her the very best of luck at the awards."