A HOBBY photographer has wowed judges with his animal snapshots.

Danny Owen, 71, from Witham, has won an award for his photography, after taking pictures as a pastime.

The International Photographer’s Guild was impressed by his photo of a zebra.

Danny said: “It was taken at Colchester Zoo.

“It wasn’t planned, I just took it in the spur of the moment – it turned out great!”

Braintree and Witham Times: Award winner: Danny's photo of a zebra from Colchester Zoo won him an award from the International Photographer’s Guild Award winner: Danny's photo of a zebra from Colchester Zoo won him an award from the International Photographer’s Guild

Danny regularly enters his photos for awards.

The guild has a panel which judges members’ photos.

Singer and impressionist Danny has been taking photos since he was 15 years old and loves doing it on the side of his performing.

He is a regular visitor at Colchester Zoo and enjoys taking pictures of animals, alongside sunrise and sunset photos.

Danny visits a few days a week if the weather is right.

He said: “I have always enjoyed photography.

“I think you just need to have a photographic eye, and I just found myself seeing things through a lens, how to frame things and get some great shots.

“I try to go to the zoo regularly as I really love taking photos of the animals there.”

He was also successful in a Witham Town Council photography competition for its 2022 calendar.

Danny submitted a photo of a bridge at Benton Hall Golf Club, which is the oldest railway bridge in the country.

The photo will feature for the month of May.

However, it has not all been plain sailing for the photographer, who was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour back in 2015.

During a performance in Southport, Danny was unable to sing.

A scan revealed a tumour on the left side of his brain.

Danny has since focused on enjoying his life to the fullest, especially through photography and singing.

He said: “I try to be thankful for everything and enjoy every single day.”