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Calendar feature for HSDC Alton student with talent for photography

November 16, 2021

Caroline is smiling and stood in front of a bush

Two stunning images from a HSDC Alton student with a talent for wildlife photography are set to feature in a charity calendar.

Vibrant, colourful images taken by Caroline Hodgkiss have been selected for a 2022 calendar and exhibition organised by Alton Town Council to raise funds for HART Wildlife Rescue.

The striking photographs feature insects and flowers found in Caroline’s garden at her home in Four Marks, and are set to go on display in the Go Wild photography exhibition at Alton’s Allen Gallery from 11 December to 9 January. A bee rests on a red flower

Caroline, who is studying the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art, Design & Communication, has loved photography from a young age but really took her passion to the next level during lockdown when she got an Olympus camera.

Caroline said: 

“When I started using the camera I was impressed at the detail it picked up. Photography is my escape from everything because I can focus on one thing.

“Not many people would have thought to do insects. I’ve always had a fascination with them, especially bees. We plant so many flowers that we see so many bees! 

“I want to do more wildlife photography because I’ve always loved animals. I’ve always found animals calming, especially dogs and cats.”

A green bug sits on pink flowersThe keen photographer enlisted the help of her parents to whittle down hundreds of nature images to the final three she would enter into the competition, which aimed to showcase the biodiversity of the Alton area.

Two of her images are set to appear in the final 2022 calendar, and Caroline was over the moon when she found out she had been chosen, with one of her images even being used on the poster advertising the exhibition.

After finding out the news, Caroline said: 

“I was screaming and jumping when I found out because I was so happy. It’s massive for me because it’s the first time I’ve really had my photography recognised and it’s a step toward putting my name out there and being recognised.”

The exhibition will run at the Allen Gallery from 11 December to 9 January, with a Meet the Photographers event on 11 December from 10.30am to midday.

The calendar will be on sale to raise funds for local charity HART Wildlife Rescue which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.