Springwatch

An exhibition of work by 19-year-old photographer Gemma Keys from Norwich, shot during a BBC Norfolk Springwatch Challenge, can be viewed at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve until Sunday, 3 August, 2008.

"I'm thrilled. If you'd told me a few years ago I would have an exhibition of my own photographs at Pensthorpe I would never have believed it," said Gemma.

"I've always had a passion for wildlife and photography and enjoy nothing more than putting the two together. To think that my own work is being shown as the reserve is incredible. I am so excited that more people are going to see my photos," she added.

Gemma Keys

RSPCA young photographer

Gemma, a former winner of the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards, spent a day with the BBC Springwatch team at Pensthorpe in June 2008 and was challenged to deliver five photographs for the BBC Norfolk by the end of her day on site.

During the challenge she was given tips from top Norfolk wildlife photographer Mike Powles. At the end of the day eight of Gemma’s photographs were selected for the publication.

"Meeting the BBC Springwatch team was amazing, everyone was so welcoming and interested in what I was doing," said Gemma.

"Having such professional and talented people tell me they loved my photos was unreal, they must see hundreds of wildlife shots and to think they were impressed by mine made me feel on top of the world.

"Pensthorpe offers a fantastic variety of bird life to photograph, it was a day I'll never forget. I'm thrilled Pensthorpe is staging an exhibition of my work and would like to thank the team there for this fantastic additional opportunity," she added.

Gemma shot hundreds of pictures through her day on the reserve, selecting her favourites the exhibition.

"I'd my favourites are probably Floral Coot, which shows a coot between the pink flowers. I like this partly because it was a spur of the moment shot," said Gemma.

Flora coot by Gemma Keys

"The coot ran out towards the water and just before it jumped down into the lake it looked back and I got the shot. I like the connection between the coot and the camera. There's also an interesting contrast between the pink flowers and the black and white of the bird.

"I also love the shot I got of the Mandarin drake. The Mandarin is looking up at me and the angle of both the shot and his head create a striking image of his superb feather textures and colours, both the smooth and the angular," she added.

Springwatch challenge

Gemma was asked to shoot her pictures by way of a challenge from BBC Norfolk.

"I was looking at ways to engage the people of Norfolk with the Springwatch brand while the show was in the county," said BBC Norfolk producer Martin Barber.

"Artists from the Norfolk Open Studio's scheme submitted work for an online gallery, but this was an ideal opportunity to engage Gemma's talents to create some unique content while giving her the chance to meet the Springwatch crew.

"The team from the Natural History Unit are a world-class act and knowing of Gemma's passion and talent for what she does, this was just too much of an opportunity not to introduce them to each other.

"I had no idea at the time it would result in Gemma being able to present her first solo exhibition at the reserve and I'm delighted she's been given such an opportunity," he added.

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve was host to the BBC's Springwatch in 2008, with plans being made for the show to return to the venue next year.

Viewers who enjoyed the antics of Toilet duck, Emi and Oscar the oystercatcher chicks and other favourites can read weekly updates on their progress from Mike Powles, who did all the nest research for the BBC.