The annual Bermuda Museum, Aquarium and Zoo's photographic competition is once again being exhibited in the Edinburgh Gallery of the Bermuda Society of Arts and, as with last year's show, it breaks the usual, traditional conventions of exhibition practice.

By that I mean, the walls of the gallery are plastered with photographs, all a standard size. And yet, given the large numbers of pictures in the show and the smallness of the gallery, I can't imagine doing it any other way, short of devoting an exhibition to each section.

At any rate, with this show, we seem to make an allowance for overcrowding. We suspend judgement about the design of the actual exhibition and simply enjoy it for what it is.

Despite the hanging arrangement, this exhibition is one of the more important regular exhibitions on the BSoA calendar. It encourages the general public, especially the young people, to encounter Bermuda's environment, particularly Bermuda's wildlife.

Having taught art at Bermuda College for many years, I realise that some are woefully uninformed regarding environmental matters.

I recall having my students draw a Bermuda cedar and asking what it was they were looking at. One young lady said she did not have a clue and when I pointed out that it was a Bermuda cedar, she still did not know the significance of this tree in Bermuda's history.

The competition is divided up into various categories, such as, "Animals — Amateur Adult (+14)," or "Plants — Age 5-13." et cetera. Indeed, there are 18 such, separate sections. Additionally there are at least 280 entries.

The photographs cover the wall, from the floor almost to the ceiling. So how are we supposed to view such a plethora of images? I can tell you how I went about it. First, I noticed that the competition had been judged and that awards had been given for what was considered best in the various sections. I ignored these, as I did not want to be influenced by other assessments.

Anyway, I did not always agree with their appraisals. I simply looked for what grabbed my eyes. Additionally, I intuitively looked for certain qualities, such as an arresting composition and a clarity of focus. In other words, I picked specific works that stood out for me.

I won't say I ignored the other entries, but they did get less attention. What stood out for me probably will not be the same for others.

Do go and see it for yourselves and enjoy what grabs you.

The following photographs are what caught my eye. Jill Raine's Starling on a Branch with Red Fruit, #178. Note, none of the entries have titles, so what I write is merely my description of the work. I thought the sharpness of focus of this work and the over-all design, eye-catching.

Gaynor Garrett's picture of a chick-of-the-village, # 205, is also arresting as is Lucy Hollis' depiction of the same species. Indeed, hers is especially notable. Lucy Hollis also has a rather more creative, possibly Photoshop enhanced print, #89. It depicts Castle Island, with longtail and lizard prominently featured. She is also showing another Longtail in photo #149.

In the age 5-13 category, look for photos # 203 and 206 by Mia Fung and Reid Mosher. Both are exceptional.

I thought Jill Raine's photo of a kiskadee, #184, especially amusing. The bird, high on a branch, has its beak wide open and tongue sticking out.

One can almost hear its rasping cry. It was an specially lucky shot. It's a moment frozen in time. She caught the bird in that particular instant; a second before or after would have been too early or too late.

Andrew Stevenson has a dramatic series of whales. Numbers 321 and 325 are particularly memorable, especially the latter, which features the whale's fluke.

Ron Lucas photographed an outstanding picture of a parrot fish, #319.

The exhibition continues through September 19, 2007.