Romsey’s amateur photographers have a new champion. Douglas Marsh, a lifelong resident and member of the Romsey Advertiser Camera Club, has claimed this week’s top spot with a serene image of a grey squirrel dozing on a tree branch, bathed in soft dappled light. The photograph, titled simply ‘Snoozing Squirrel’, was chosen from dozens of submissions received this week.
The club, which operates through a free Facebook group, has seen a surge in participation since its relaunch last year. Members share images ranging from landscapes to wildlife, with weekly winners featured on the Romsey Advertiser’s print edition and digital platforms. Marsh, a retired teacher, said the photo was taken in his garden using a standard DSLR and a 300mm lens, capturing the squirrel at rest around 3 p.m. on a recent Tuesday.
Key Points
- ✅ Marsh’s photo selected from 124 submissions
- ⚡ Captured in Marsh’s garden using DSLR and 300mm lens
- 💡 Featured in Romsey Advertiser’s weekly print and digital editions
The Romsey Advertiser Camera Club, founded in 2018, has grown from a small group of hobbyists to a community of over 1,200 members. Weekly winners are judged on composition, lighting, and originality by a rotating panel of local photographers. Marsh’s win continues a trend of wildlife-themed images taking top honors, reflecting the region’s rich biodiversity.
| Aspect | Last Week’s Winner | This Week’s Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | Landscape | Wildlife |
| Winner’s Experience | First-time entrant | Club member since 2022 |
| Submission Time | Morning | Afternoon |
The club’s popularity has been fueled by its accessibility—membership is free and open to anyone with a camera or smartphone. Participants receive constructive feedback and have opportunities to attend workshops led by professional photographers. Marsh plans to use his win as motivation to refine his wildlife photography skills further, with aspirations to capture deer in the New Forest later this year.
💡 Pro Tip
Shoot during the golden hour—early morning or late afternoon—when light is softest and animals are most active. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion and a high f-stop to keep the entire subject in sharp focus.
This week’s runner-up, Claire Bennett, submitted a dramatic shot of a heron wading in the River Test, narrowly missing the top spot. The Romsey Advertiser Camera Club will accept submissions for next week’s competition until Monday at midnight. Winners are announced every Wednesday on the club’s Facebook page and in the Romsey Advertiser’s print edition.
- 📊 68% of submissions this week featured wildlife
- 🔍 Marsh’s photo received the highest engagement on the club’s Facebook page
- ⚠️ Only one entry per member allowed per week
The club’s next meeting, scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at Romsey’s Broadlands Hall, will include a critique session for members to review their work and receive personalized advice. Marsh will also share tips on how he captured ‘Snoozing Squirrel’ and what gear he recommends for aspiring wildlife photographers.
📋 By The Numbers
- 3 years — Length of time Marsh has been a club member
- 24 — Number of times wildlife images have won in the past six months