A Dunedin boy's budding photography career has earned him a place as a finalist in a prestigious international photography competition.
Jack Aubin (9) entered 10 wildlife photos in the London Natural History Museum wildlife photographer of the year competition, two of which have been selected as finalists in the under 10 category.
The Northeast Valley Normal School pupil said he was really happy about being selected.
‘‘I didn't expect to get this far.''
Jack's finalist photos could not be made public until the competition winner was announced.
The photos were of a tui and a kereru, and both photos were snapped in his backyard using a Panasonic Lumix, he said.
He expected to find out if he was the overall winner in the next few days.
‘‘I can't wait until I find out.''
The prize included photography equipment and a trip to the London awards ceremony, which would be attended by Sir David Attenborough and the Duchess of Cambridge.
Jack's mother, Melissa Purnell, is also a keen photographer.
‘‘Jack has a better eye though, I think.''
She was ‘‘really proud'' of his achievement.
Jack said his passion for photography was also shared by his great-grandfather former Otago Daily Times editor Allan Aubin who ‘‘took lots of photos''.
While he enjoyed taking photos of all wildlife, there was something special about photographing birds.
‘‘All of them have just got something I really like about them.
‘‘The fantail with the tail, the tui with the tuft.''
He first began taking photos when he was 6, using his mother's pink point-and-shoot camera, he said.
‘‘Mum showed me how to use the camera like the zoom and stuff and I have done workshops, too.''
He hoped to work as a wildlife photographer after finishing school.
