Photographers reveal their perfect moments of 2024

High water on the Severn, like here in Bewdley earlier this month, always draws photographers - and it's their skills we showcase in an end-of-year gallery

As the end of 2024 approaches, it is a time to look back as well as forward - and nothing sums up the year we lived as clearly as your photographs.

Once more, BBC News has asked a group of West Midlands photographers to share their favourite image of the region from the last 12 months.

The snappers regularly post their pictures on Instagram, where BBC West Midlands accounts also deliver photos plus video and news.

Sixty-seven thousand people now follow the BBC Birmingham Instagram account and there are also profiles for BBC Black Country, BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, BBC Hereford & Worcester, BBC Shropshire and BBC Stoke & Staffordshire.

Warley Woods is a popular park on the border of Birmingham and Sandwell

Ready for the look back, then? We shall begin...

"My photo of the year may be like many people's photo of the year - one of the Aurora Borealis," said Bearwood-based photographer Simon Lea.

"Who would expect to see the Northern Lights put on such a display over the West Midlands?

"I'd known for years that they travelled further south than us, but the rarity of the event - coupled with light pollution from living so close to the city centre - meant I never expected to be able to see them, or indeed capture them, over Warley Woods.

"And then it happened twice in one year.

"This was a photo from the second time - when the display was stronger and the colours more vibrant.

"The shot features the oak trees in the valley of the Warley Woods meadow beneath the stars and, of course, the Aurora Borealis.

"After years of waiting for such an opportunity - this was exactly what I'd always hoped for.

"It was like a dream to be under those dancing lights in the middle of Warley Woods."

Luke Bennett crouched down in a field at Claverdon to focus on the hare

"At the start of 2024, I resolved to try and do more wildlife photography," said Balsall Common-based photographer Luke Bennett.

"This was taken during the summer. I'd set out to find deer on a walk I sometimes take, but at the top of a patch of woodland, by pure chance, I found myself face to face with this wild hare.

"I quickly crouched down and tried to hide in the undergrowth, grabbing my camera and shooting away. It quickly became apparent the hare hadn't yet seen me, as it bounded straight in my direction, until at one point it was only about 12 feet away.

"This photo was taken probably about three seconds before I was rumbled and the hare suddenly darted to its right, and out of the woodland.

"It felt like a real privilege to be that close to something you never usually are, and that's why this is one of my favourite shots of the year."

Alison Matthews captured this image of a Sutton Park swan shortly before the bird died

"The picture I have chosen evokes a mixture of beauty and sadness. This particular swan was resident for many years on Powell's Pool in Sutton Park," said Sutton Coldfield-based photographer Alison Matthews.

"She was my sunset companion and my muse. I have literally hundreds of pictures of her.

"Sadly she had to be put to sleep a few months ago after being intentionally injured with a pellet gun.

"I was absolutely devastated by the loss and live in hope that the pool will eventually be repopulated by another pair.

"This picture records our final evening together. The conditions were perfect - calm and clear.

"She enjoyed some of her favourite snacks and then we watched the sun go down together. I'm left with this picture as a momento of a lovely moment in time but also as a reminder of how precious and fragile life can be."

Collette Knibb has built a large collection of River Severn images in the centre of Worcester

Worcester-based photographer Collette Knibb has been posting photos of the city for about five years now.

"I really love the colours overlooking the Worcester city bridge," she said.

"This was taken from the Worcester Cathedral gardens at the end of summer.

"I always find that late summer and early autumn have the best sunsets."

Damien Walmsley was preparing to take his photo when a bus drove into the shot

"This is taken where the Pershore Road crosses the Worcester and Birmingham canal," said Knowle-based photographer Damien Walmsley.

"I always notice the view when driving into Stirchley along the Pershore Road.

"Standing opposite Lifford Lane, you have an elevated view from the canal bridge over the older houses of Stirchley and in the distance, the sun catches the shiney new buildings in the city centre.

"Just as I was taking the picture, the number 11 bus came into the frame.

"The contrast of old and new Birmingham is highlighted and the bus adds to the picture with the red livery of National Express West Midland buses."

Coventry's War Memorial Park opened in July 1921 as the city's tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War

"This image represents the amazing autumnal colours we've seen this year, and the image was taken at the War Memorial Park," said Coventry-based photographer Mark Pemberton.

"The sun shone bright on this particular day, illuminating those gorgeous autumn colours. It really was the perfect day for photography."

He added: "I like to include figures to often add a narrative or to add a sense of scale and as soon as I saw this photo, it became one of my favourites."

Lisa Reynolds' passion for photography means she can often be found at nature spots around the Black Country

"My photo was taken at my local nature reserve, Bumble Hole in Netherton," said Black Country-based photographer Lisa Reynolds.

"I call it 'a mothers love' and the reason it's a favourite is partly due to my love of the spring season and all that it brings, but also because the mother looks so proud to be showing off her new brood.

"My love of nature and walking, in all weathers, brings me peace of mind during tough times and a sense of achievement when I get home and see the photos I've taken to keep as memories."

Nick Spence's passion is images of Shropshire, including this one of the Northern Lights

"My perfect moment this year came in October and the fantastic displays of the aurora," said Shropshire-based photographer Nick Spence.

"A sight I had never seen before and may or may not be lucky enough to see in this part of the world.

"The colours and the way they lit up the sky were truly amazing and put me in awe of how fantastic nature is.

"This particular shot appealed to me because of the colours. As well as seeing the deep reds, the greens and blues and pinks were astounding."

The National Trust was given 198 acres of Kinver Edge in 1917 and today cares for nearly 600 acres

'In the middle of a spell of wet, gloomy weather, a rare frosty and foggy morning gave me an opportunity to take in a photo and dog-walk around Kinver Edge," said Wordsley-based photographer Steve Spencer.

"This view across to Clee Hill is always a favourite, and looks even better with layers of mist."

"I've spent the last 12 months exploring all over the West Midlands and beyond and I still come back to my beloved Sheepwalks in Enville," said Worcestershire-based photographer Simon Beckett.

"There is something simply magical sitting up on those hills and you have a 360-degree view of everything the West Midlands has to offer.

"Look in one direction, you see the Malverns. The other Clee Hill and the Wrekin on the horizon, Kinver Edge and Clent behind you.

"It must be the most peaceful place to just be one with nature."