The British Veterinary Association has announced the three winners of its Photographers of the Year competition, sponsored by iM3 Dental.

The winning images were selected from nine finalists, shortlisted from hundreds of entries that were taken by vets, both in their professional and private lives.

And the winners are ...  

  • Vets at work winner - #Colostrumisgold by Sophie Aylett
  • On the Shoulders of Giants by Katherine Edmondson
  • Happy pets that make us smile winner – Jumping for joy by Sam Price

Sophie said: “I was very surprised to win with my photo of a newborn calf standing next to me during the closing phases of surgery.

"I'm not that slow at suturing up, it’s just the calf was very alert and standing before I finished!

"For me this photo encapsulates the best parts of farm vetting: prompt decisions, safe handling, great outcomes, teamwork.

"I’m very proud to be a farm vet and exceptionally pleased this photo will be seen by current farm vets and hopefully will inspire future farm vets from all walks of life to pursue a veterinary career.” 

Katherine, who is a third year Veterinary Medicine student at the Royal Veterinary College, said: “I'm absolutely delighted to have my photograph selected as the winner of the category, especially against such impressive entries. 

"I was on a morning visit to a game reserve with a local vet in South Africa, when the sunrise highlighted the small oxpeckers on the backs of the giraffes, frantically flying to and fro.

"With the giraffe curiously watching us, I managed to capture the moment all three birds landed on its back, creating the image representing all creatures great and small.”

Sam Price said: "I took the image of my dog, Winnie, while on a campervan trip on the north coast of Ireland.

She loves nothing more than a beach day as you can see so I felt this was a fitting photo for the brief.

Thankfully there was a rare bout of sunshine on the day which made for some nice lighting and Winnie is pretty photogenic, which always helps!"

BVA President Malcolm Morley said: “The winning images stood out to us for many reasons, but we particularly liked how each one captured the essence of the category it was entered into; Sophie’s image of a c-section on a cow was so touching and really demonstrates the daily life of many of our valued farm vets; Katherine Edmondson’s photograph of the giraffe and red-billed oxpeckers was stunning but also truly embodied the All creatures great and small element; while Sam Price’s photo of Winnie the dog literally jumping for joy stole our hearts and genuinely made us all break out in smiles.

“Congratulations to all the winners, and also a huge well done to all the finalists as well, it was a really tough decision but you should be proud of the incredible photographs you entered and your talents.” 

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.