Natural England - Landscape Photographer of the Year Award 2009
Landscape Photographer of the Year Award 2009
1 June 2009
In association with Natural England and the English National Parks Authorities. Following the huge success and popularity of previous years, the search for the UK’s Landscape Photographer of the Year for 2009 is now well under way.
Entrants have until 15 July to enter the ‘Take a view’ Awards by submitting their photographs of the British landscape.
‘Take a view’ celebrates landscapes in the United Kingdom only, offering photographers worldwide the opportunity to showcase their images of this richly diverse country. From salt marshes, chalk cliffs and ancient woodland to historic villages, parklands and cityscapes, this Award aims to highlight the positive interaction between people and places that is so important for us all.
Dr Helen Phillips, chief executive of Natural England, said: “Our landscapes are more than just attractive scenery - they tell a vivid story of how, for centuries, the natural environment and human settlement have influenced each other. They form a vital part of our cultural identity, they inspire art and literature, and provide millions with spiritual fulfilment and places to relax and enjoy. Healthy landscapes give us essential resources such as food and water, provide a living for us and habitats for wildlife, and regulate our changing climate.”
She continued: “This competition is an important initiative to help people value and appreciate the enormous variety of landscapes in this country and the many challenges that they face. All landscapes matter – to people and to wildlife – and every photograph entered for this competition has the chance to emphasise this.”
Natural England has created a special Award called “Landscape on your Doorstep”. It aims to show how everyday landscapes matter. This category is for images capturing landscape visible from or in close proximity to your home, ‘low carbon’ photography that will demonstrate that you don’t have to travel far to find natural beauty.
The 2009 book of winning entries will be launched at the opening of the ‘Take a view’ exhibition in December, in the superb surroundings of the National Theatre on London’s South Bank.
All entries must be uploaded via the competition website, www.take-a-view.co.uk where the Terms & Conditions are listed in full. Entry fees apply.
Winners from the 2008 competition
Category: winner 2008. Gardening at first light, Devon by Jason Ingram.
This shot was taken at 5.00am as the sun rose from behind the hills at Bertie's Cottage, Devon. Gardener, Patti O'Brien, is up with the lark most mornings during the summer months, tending her vegetable plot and enjoying the golden light. "This really is the most beautiful time of the day, so silent and full of anticipation."
Category: young landscape photographer of the year 2008. Poppies and maize at sunset - Handley Down, Dorset by Gabrielle Barnes.
I had been looking for a great composition for my school art project and on this particular evening was out with my dad who was taking pictures. I chose to stop in a field slightly off the path I normally take and saw this field that had been cut, all except for one long strip made up of poppies and maize and some wild flowers. The light was really lovely and I was lucky enough to capture this moment.
Category: runner-up 2008. Yule morn - Tanglewood, Lancashire by Gary Waidson.
I had spotted the potential of this location quite some time before but the conditions had never been right when I had been around. Taking our dog, Skadi, out for a walk on the morning of Yule, I noticed a heavy fog had risen up overnight. I grabbed my camera and we headed, full of hope, straight for this spot. The dense mist drifting between the mature beech trees wrethed the wood with a sense of mystery and magic perfectly in keeping with the day.
Category: commended 2008. Big wave at Sandsend, North Yorkshire by Keith Foster.
Taken late evening on a very stormy day with a high spring tide, much dmage was done by this wave to the hotel and the cottages on the sea front. It was difficult to take as the high sea was running behind me. Sandsend is in real danger as the seas rise with global warming.