Old DSLR Wins Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year

Summary

Toby Houlton has been awarded the Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2025 title for his abstract image 'Dance of the Gnats.' The winning photograph was captured using a 10-year-old Nikon D500 DSLR and a 70-200mm zoom lens. Houlton employed a slow shutter speed to create light trails from dancing gnats, with the woodland background adding drama and impact. Judges praised the creative shooting technique and the resulting highlighted patterns formed by the insects' movement.

Key points

• Toby Houlton won Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2025.
• The winning image, 'Dance of the Gnats,' was taken with a 10-year-old Nikon D500 DSLR.
• The technique involved a long exposure to capture gnats as abstract light trails.
• Judges commended the creative approach and the image's dramatic impact.