Wainwright Photographic Competition 2023

Congratulations to Ray Graham and Ashley Brogan, Winner and Runner-up respectively, of the Wainwright Category.

WINNER:  Ray Graham – Member No. 2262, London.

Photo: Great Gable and Haystacks from Rannerdale Knotts

Val Corbett (judge): “This is so brilliantly dramatic! I can really feel the cold, and I’m not at all sure I would have been willing to go walking that day, but congratulations. The view from Rannerdale Knotts is terrific, one of the best in the Lakes, but this photo makes snow-capped Great Gable really stand out against the stormy sky. I hope you didn’t have to wait too long to get that perfect combination of sun and shadow! The photo has great clarity, with the rock and the paths shown in sharp detail.”

RUNNER-UP:  Ashley Brogan – Member No. 4729, Wigan.

Photo: Got your back, Jack

Val Corbett (judge): “The right place at the right time. People might think this is just a matter of luck, but so often it’s about making choices, following the weather forecasts, and taking photos early or late in the day when the light is most interesting. So, well done, getting up early and combining that delicious early light with a great viewpoint to make a strong and atmospheric image. I love the way the rim of the fell curves away and takes our eye away to Skiddaw in the far distance.”

Congratulations to Jude Ewing and Leslie Fitton, Winner and Runner-up respectively, of the British Countryside Category.

WINNER:  Jude Ewing – Member No. 4585, St Helens.

Photo: Mount Joy Bluebells

Val Corbett (judge): “I find bluebell woods hard to photograph, especially finding something as a point of focus, but this works well. Using the tracks is an effective ‘lead in’ device. Also taking the photo against the light is good. The freshness of the trees really shows when the leaves are backlit by sun. I suspect taking the photo the other way round, with the sun behind, would not have worked well.”

RUNNER-UP:  Leslie Fitton – Member No. 4693, Bolton.

Photo: Pigeon Tower, Rivington

Val Corbett (judge): “I don’t know this area, but the photo intrigued me enough to look it up. The foreground, although a bit messy, adds to the interest of the scene, with the open gate and the tractor tracks leading the eye gently towards the main interest. The good sky and the nice balance of the offset tower with the people looking towards the landscape make it a pleasing photo.”

Photographic Competition Organiser, Sherrie Farnsworth – Colchester.  Member No. 3421

I was grateful that the new category of British Countryside was added to this year’s competition. Being based in East Anglia I have an abundance of public footpaths and amazing countryside right on my doorstep. I feel everyone should share in this, whether it be by a personal visit or sharing a photo, which I often do!

As I received the photos for the competition the new category was very popular, and I was taken on a journey beyond well-known Wainwright areas to places I had never been before. I had the privilege to see stunning countryside I didn’t even know existed. It was wonderful to see members sharing photographs of beautiful areas where they live and visit via this competition. Along with these amazing countryside photos, I was also once again transported to the fells, lakes, and tarns through the photos our members were submitting. It always puts a smile on my face to see that our members fully appreciate the natural beauty of this tiny island we all live upon. It may be small, but I can honestly say it offers some of the most amazing scenery in the world.

The winners and runners-up in both categories were judged this year by professional Lake District photographer Val Corbett and our thanks go to her.