Capturing moments of calm – and destruction
ASTRIKING image of Godrevy lighthouse framed by natural rock with the sky at dusk reflected beneath has won the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2021 competition.
Christian Coan took the picture from the West Cornwall beach, beating tough competition from over 1,200 entries.
Judging the competition was critically acclaimed seascape photographer Rachael Talibart, who said: “This was actually a very easy choice – it is clearly the most interesting and well-handled photograph. It fits the brief of finding a ‘different viewpoint’.
“Technically, the photo is wellachieved, and the processing is carefully handled so that it doesn’t detract from the impression of the image overall. This image rewards a lingering gaze – the composition draws my eyes to Godrevy lighthouse in the distance but then, after appreciating that, my eyes can get lost in all the wonderful detail of the rocks and pool in the foreground.”
Christian said: “I have visited Godrevy every year for the last 18 years, and I had several areas I knew I wanted to explore with the camera. Having checked the tide times and the weather and arriving on location pre-blue hour, I had plenty of time to wander the beach to find the best position.
“The composition for the winning photograph, in all honesty, was a lucky spot. The little rock pool leading to the lighthouse was tucked away in a network of paths carved by the incoming tides and happened to catch my eye as I wandered through them. The conditions were perfect, with a pinkish hue lighting the sky and reflecting in the rock pool.”
The competition, organised by the South West Coast Path Association, presented a special Climate Crisis Capture Award for the photo that best communicated important issues that are threatening the Coast Path such as coastal erosion, pollution, rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity, loss of habitats and extreme weather. Dorset-based photographer James Loveridge won for his image of the biggest rockfall to have been recorded on the Jurassic Coast in 60 years.
Matthew Pontin, creative director of Fotonow, who judged the award, said: “A huge congratulations to James, especially in winning the award in two consecutive years. The photograph highlights an approach to photography in telling the story of how the landscape is being altered by climate change.”
Julian Gray, director of the South West Coast Path Association, said: “We’re delighted with the quality of the photographs this year which is represented in the two winning images.”
Christian won £250 of kit from competition partners Bamboo Clothing, as well as a four-day Canoe Trails kayaking adventure on the Jurassic Coast.