Capture South Downs’ beauty
The South Downs National Park photo competition is now open, with a first prize of £250 on offer to the amateur or professional photographer who best captures this year’s theme of “experiencing the natural world.” Spokesman Jeff Travis said: “Judges are looking for inspiring images that capture the beauty of the National Park – all while being active. “So whether it’s walking, cycling, horseriding, walking the dog, counting butterflies, bird-watching or having a picnic, the judges are looking for images that show people out enjoying the amazing landscape. “Photographs that include people are encouraged, but stunning images taken while people are out enjoying and being active in the National Park are also welcomed.” Steve Watkins, editor of Outdoor Photography magazine, and awardwinning photographers Rachael Talibart and Finn Hopson are returning to judge the 2019 competition. A second prize of £150 and a third prize of £50 are also on offer. This year the judges are also looking for images capturing the amazing wildlife of the South Downs and the winner will receive £100. Steve said: “The standard of images entered into the competition has gone up each year, so I’m excited to see what the photographers produce. “It’s a wide theme, so people can focus on their own personal interpretation of and connection to the National Park. “The key to creating a great image is to put in the extra bit of time and effort to elevate the photograph above being a mere snapshot. “It may mean, for example, getting out for a walk earlier or later in the day than you normally would in order to catch the best light, or changing your viewpoint by lying on the ground or climbing a hill to capture the beauty and drama of people horse riding over the South Downs. “Small changes such as these can make a big difference to the resulting image.”
Entries close on Friday, October 18. Find out more and download the entry form at www.southdowns.gov. uk/enter-the-south-downsphoto-competition/. Pictured above is Autumn Gold by Lorraine Heaysman, which was the winner of the South Downs National Park Photo Competition 2018/2019