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South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2023
Force of nature - a compelling image of Lyme Regis Cobb
wins South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2023
Photo caption: An aerial view over Lyme Regis Cobb during Storm Ciarán
Taken by James Loveridge (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2023)
James Loveridge, a photographer from Dorset has been named the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2023. In the eye of the storm, James’ image captures the power of Storm Ciaran as nature shows its force and unleashes its energy upon Lyme Regis Cobb.
The winning aerial photograph beat tough competition from over 1,500 entries across the south west region. James takes home not only the title but wins a £500 voucher from Luxury Coastal Holidays and 2 return train tickets courtesy of sponsors Great Western Railway.
A panel of three judges included Jessica Lennan, Lecturer in Photography at the University of Plymouth, who said of the winning image:
“The winning photograph impresses both in its beauty and in it its message. It clearly shows the force of nature, with the Cobb being blanketed by the white, churning sea. In contrast, dark and heavy clouds pass by, allowing only little light to come through, and reminding us of looming danger ahead. The South West Coast Path is unique but also vulnerable, especially to extreme weather conditions, which we have particularly experienced in the past 12 months. This image is an excellent example of how powerful photography can be in letting us stop in our tracks and raising awareness for what is happening now.”
James Loveridge said of his win, “I have won the Climate Change category previously with photos of storms on the Jurassic Coast where I live and thought this was my best capture yet and a unique one to be able to get an aerial image during such a powerful storm. We're seeing increasing numbers of storms on the Jurassic Coast in recent years, which I document by getting videos and photographs of all of the major rockfalls in West Dorset and we often see the South West Coast Path having to be moved inland as a result.
It's great to have won the overall competition for the first time, so I thank the judges and feel lucky that I was in the right place at the right time and the conditions were right to get this photograph.”
This year’s competition saw Sky Shot added as a category, joining Nature; Your Path; Climate Change; Urban Lines; and the Young Photographer of the Year Award.
Photo caption: Gannet View, Storm Isha, West Cornwall
Taken by Jennifer Rogers (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Nature category winner)
“A very strong image and well-deserved win in this category. The eye focuses well on the gannet with it being highlighted between the power of the rocks. This image makes you sense with all your being the power of the sea and the vulnerability of our wildlife. Technically well exposed and composed with very poignant darkening of the image extremities to enhance the spray and gannet even more. Excellent!”
Trevor Burrows, Photographer, SWCP POTY 2023 Judge
Photo caption: Milky Way over Gwennap Head, shot at moonset
Taken by Jennifer Rogers (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Your Path category winner)
“This photo offers a distinctive view of the West Cornwall path and coastline. Captured during moonrise, the coast remains visible under a gentle glow from a nearby shelter. The focal point is the expansive night sky, adorned with the mesmerizing Milky Way. Creating such a photo demand both technical expertise and dedication.”
Jessica Lennan, Lecturer in Photography at the University of Plymouth, SWCP POTY 2023 Judge
Photo caption: Trail Lights of Sidmouth
Taken by Alex Walton (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Urban Lines category winner)
“This photo demonstrates a clever use of lines in its composition. The street winding alongside the beach serves as a prominent leading line, accentuated by the light trails of passing cars as well as the dotted streetlights. Captured during twilight, the image reveals further details of the surrounding buildings and sea for us to explore. Despite being mostly man-made in an urban setting, the lines in the photo retain an organic quality, which we particularly liked.”
Jessica Lennan, Lecturer in Photography at the University of Plymouth, SWCP POTY 2023 Judge
Photo caption: Old Harry’s, Dorset
Taken by Robert Beasley (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Sky Shot category winner)
“A beautifully composed and executed image with a strength of both colour and composition. The time of day taken has ensured good modelling on the topography but there is a unquantifiable sense of space and remote sensing of the coast path. Quite extraordinary and a well-deserved win!”
Trevor Burrows, Photographer, SWCP POTY 2023 Judge
Photo caption: Blue hour over a flooded Porlock Marsh, Somerset
Taken by Gary Holpin (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Climate Change category winner)
“This photo captures the impact of climate change in straightforward yet impactful ways. The image of a dead tree surrounded by water vividly portrays the threat of rising sea levels to the South West Coast Path and the surrounding land. Its simplicity in composition and effective use of colour make it stand out.”
Jessica Lennan, Lecturer in Photography at the University of Plymouth, SWCP POTY 2023 Judge
YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The second year of the SWCP Young Photographer of the Year Award saw a significant increase in entries that explored different perspectives of the Coast Path. The winning image was taken by 15-year-old William Kurzon for his photograph, Ayrmer Cove. William said of being named Young SWCP Photographer of the Year, “It feels absolutely incredible to be chosen as the SWCP Young Photographer of the Year and I have a huge sense of satisfaction that my work has been recognised this way. It seems even more special to have won it as this July (straight after completing my GCSEs) I am going to be walking the full 630 miles of the coast path along with a couple of my friends.”
Photo caption: Ayrmer Cove, South Devon
Taken by William Kurzon (South West Coast Path Young Photographer of the Year)
“A strong image where the use of black and white adds to the overall feel. Strong composition with a darkened sky helping to contain the image within the borders well. Dynamic lines leading the eye inwards to a sea that is given drama and movement with the use of time exposure. Well done!”
Trevor Burrows, Photographer, SWCP POTY 2023 Judge
SOUTH WEST COAST PATH PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2023 EXHIBITION
PLATFORM 8 & 9, PADDINGTON STATION, LONDON
3 – 30 JULY 2024
You can view all the winning images plus more at the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition at Paddington Station, London. The exhibition will highlight the diversity, beauty, wildlife, heritage, and seasonality of the coastal environment, on and around the South West Coast Path. It will also include images that show the impact of climate change on and around the Coast Path.
Published on: April 12, 2024
