‘Blizzard in the High Peak’ by John Finney

Michael Topham Reviews editor

The middle of October is an exciting time for anyone who enters the Landscape Photographer of the Year competition. Each year I look forward to taking some time out

from reviewing kit and seeing which images the judges have declared as their favourites. This image, taken by Adult Classic View winner John Finney on the Great Ridge between Edale and Hope valleys in Derbyshire immediately caught my eye. To me, it’s a great example of how persistence in the landscape pays off. Having braved shooting landscapes in similar conditions myself, I know attempting a shot like this in such a remote and exposed location shouldn’t be underestimated. It takes a brave, committed landscape photographer to risk venturing out on days like these. Although the peak of the ridge isn’t visible, the long winding fence that contrasts beautifully against the drifting snow does a great job of drawing our eye in into the distance. John successfully overcame the high winds by setting up on a tripod, and with a slow shutter speed (1/10sec) and a blip of flash, he created a wonderful sense of movement to the falling snowflakes. I’m left wondering how many frames were taken up on the ridge before John called it a day and retreated for a warming brew. The image will be displayed as part of this year’s LPOTY exhibition winners at Waterloo station, which runs from 19 November 2018 to 3 February 2019.