Landscape Photographer of the Year 2012

Have you got an eye for Britain's landscapes?  The search for the next Landscape Photographer of the Year is currently underway and the closing date of July 15^th is fast approaching.

Whether it's a sea-sprayed, sunlit beach, an autumnal forest, or an abandoned railway, see if you have what it takes to be crowned Landscape Photographer of the Year.  

Robert Fulton impressed the judges last year with his snow-covered landscape, pictured above.

Categories include Young Photographer, 'This is Britain' and Classic View.  More details on how to enter can be found at www.take-a-view.co.uk.

The Awards were set up by landscape photographer, Charlie Waite, who shares some of his top photography hints here:

Inside Out

When you have composed your image, take your eye around the edge of the viewfinder...twice, to be totally familiar with all that exists on the perimeter.  Decide whether what is there, on the outside edge, supports what is taking place within the body of the image.

Different Perspective

If there is no landscape in front of you, look around; there may be one at your feet.  Consider a higher viewpoint or get down lower - it is amazing what a difference it can make to a usual, eye-level view.

Level of Importance

Delve deep into your creation.  It may become a 20X16 print!  All components must be evaluated.  Consider everything - decide whether what is included plays an important part in your production.  Omit the redundant.  You are the producer, art director and camera-person all rolled into one.  You take responsibility.

Second Opinion

Our opinion of our own photographs is coloured by many factors - how difficult they were to achieve, how we were feeling at the time etc.  It is important to show our work to as many people as possible and listen to what they have to say - body language can be as interesting as words. 

The winner will receive a prize of £10,000, with many other prizes for each category, and for runners up.

This year’s competition is held in association with Network Rail and there will be a special award given to the best picture of Britain’s railways within the landscape.

There will also be a full colour book, by AA Publishing, of all the winning entries and an exhibition at the National Theatre in London from November 12th, 2012. 

Charlie Waite

Charlie Waite is a landscape photographer and founder of the Take a View awards.  He has published 28 books on photography and held over 30 solo exhibitions across the world.  His company Light & Land runs photographic tours, courses and workshops worldwide.