Un hombre de Mayo ha sido nombrado Fotógrafo mundial de paisajes del año.
La imagen de Felix Sproll de las olas rompiendo en la costa en Doolin en Co Clare fue seleccionada como la obra ganadora, de un campo de más de 6.500 fotografías enviadas en línea en los últimos meses.
«Atlantic Winter Storm se encuentra con Irlanda» fue tomada con una cámara Nikon D750.
Los jueces lo describieron como que tiene «poder, profundidad y [que] transmite toneladas de emoción».
El joven de 29 años, de Ballinrobe, comenzó a fotografiar paisajes hace siete u ocho años.
Dijo que las condiciones eran buenas cuando viajó a la zona en cuestión para intentar capturar el tiro el invierno pasado.
Sproll dijo que pasó aproximadamente una hora tomando fotografías de las olas que azotaban la costa y, posteriormente, seleccionó la que pensó que era la imagen que mejor mostraba la fuerza de la naturaleza.
El concurso World Landscape Photographer se diseñó inicialmente para ser un concurso único durante la pandemia del año pasado.
Sin embargo, tuvo tal atractivo que los organizadores decidieron convertirlo en un evento anual.
Los participantes pagan una tarifa de £ 10 para participar, y las ganancias se donan a organizaciones benéficas ambientales.
Sproll dice que normalmente no participa en concursos y no tenía ninguna expectativa cuando presentó algunas entradas en febrero pasado.
Ganó una Nikon ZII como primer premio, que dijo que era útil, «ya que necesitaba una cámara nueva».
Más de 1.400 fotógrafos participaron en el concurso de este año.
Las imágenes ganadoras se pueden ver en: worldlandscapephotographer.com
Overall Winner
Felix SprollNikon D750
Tamron 100-400mm f4.5-6.3
100mm 1/640s f11 ISO 200felixsproll.comI had visited this area on the west coast of Ireland several times during rough seas, the last time, just after a storm with 30ft swell but with offshore winds but the waves just didn’t look as big and intimidating as I wanted. So, I returned when there was another big winter storm but this time with a strong onshore wind to whip up the sea. The wind was bitter cold and blowing the sea spray well inshore, making it difficult to look out to sea never mind shot. It was also extremely difficult to pick out a subject or composition with the sea being a massive ever-changing mess. I enjoyed the experience of feeling nature’s force, as the wind and waves battered the coast, and didn’t worry about pictures too much. As I explored the coast, I eventually came across this scene. The waves showed their true size with the cliffs for scale, some even bouncing off the cliffs and coming back to hit the next wave sending it even higher into the air. The cold was forgotten as I shot the scene for the next hour.
This image is one that I dream of taking. It has power, depth and conveys tons of emotion. The details in the waves are amazing and every time I look at it I see something new.
Nigel Danson
There are some images that keep you returning to have another look, to fall deeper into the scene, to take in all the detail, and this is one of those photographs. There’s a depth to the composition and the whole photo is imbued with an inherent atmosphere, from the powerful, thrashing waves to the glorious light that lifts the whole scene. A masterfully crafted image and a worthy winner.
Verity Milligan
This is a very unique coastal shot. The moment captured is so dramatic. The photographer did a great job composing it to really highlight the moment. The processing also looks really well done. Overall just a great image.
Michael Shainblum
It is one of the rare images I’ve seen where you can truly feel the elements as if you were there. The dramatic mood, endless waves and mist carry you into the image where you can get lost for hours discovering new details.
Cath Simard
A truly fantastic image which immediately jumped off the screen at me – the crashing waves, the dramatic light, this shot has a bit of everything. It really encapsulates all the things I look for in a great landscape image.
Stuart McGlennon
There were so many striking images entered into this years WLP completion and the judging was extremely tough. This powerful image taken on the West coast of Ireland was a deserving winner, the photographer has captured the raw power of the sea and edited the image with with a beautiful subtlety.
Neil Burnell
2nd Place
Will Milner
Nikon D810
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD
56mm f5.6 1/15s ISO 400www.wbmilner.comSpringtime in the ancient beech woodland of the Chiltern hills can really be an ethereal experience under the right conditions. I initially stumbled upon this intimate little scene earlier in the year, I was drawn to the gnarled trunks of the stunted Beech trees and couldn’t wait to revisit again in spring. The verdant greens of the young beech leaves coupled with vibrant patches of bluebells all tempered by a thin layer of murk certainly did not disappoint.“This image had an immediate appeal. Although bluebells are extremely popular as photographic fodder, it’s rare to see a photo that deals with this subject matter with such delicacy and nuance. The fresh greens of the woodland carry the main composition, and that hint of the bluebells traversing the bottom of the image is just magical. As woodland images go, this has everything; atmosphere and intrigue, tied together into a superb composition.”Verity Milligan
3rd Place
Ludwig Esser
Nikon D610
Nikkor AF-P 70-300mm 1;4.5-5.6E VR ED
300mm f11 2s ISO 200FlickrThe Loughor Estuary on the north side of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales at low tide after sunset. The sky is reflected in the still waters of the riverbed channels that are created by the changing tides.“I love the gorgeous soft pastel tones of this image taken at the Loughor Estuary in Wales. The composition and dreamy tones made this an instant favourite for me.”Neil Burnell
4th Place
Troels Bjerre
Canon EOS 6D
Canon EF 70-200 mm f/4.0 L IS USM
111mm f13 0.6s ISO 400troelsbjerre.comFrozen sea spray on fishing stakes on the island of Funen in the danish archipelago. Funen means «where the wind blows» and on this cold morning where the wind cuts through the skin it seems very fitting.“I really love the creativity shown in this image. Taking a seemingly ordinary subject and really transforming it into something special. My imagination runs wild looking at the repetition of shape and beautiful waterflow.”Michael Shainblum“This image Just incredible – The composition is just beautiful and the faint colours add to the feeling of cold it portrays. There is something mystical about this as well that makes you just want to stare at it for longer and longer. It is just a stunning work of art”Nigel Danson
5th Place
Antonio Fernandez
Nikon D810
Nikon 80-400 mm
210mm f16 1/30s ISO 400antoniofernandezphoto.comIt snowed all night long in this Finnish autumn. The next morning, the landscape had become an immense white canvas on which a multitude of ochre, yellow, green brushstrokes were painted… Above it, in the silence, the flight of flocks of birds migrating, once again, to the south of Europe.“What isn’t to like about the image. The colours. The winter conditions. What is truly amazing is the composition and the perfectly positioned row of two trees. A absolute stunning image.”Nigel Danson
6th Place
Brian Clark
Nikon D800
Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8
57mm f11 1/60s ISO 100brianclarkphotography.comThis image was made in Yellowstone National Park on a February morning when the temperature was minus 20C. The early morning mist initially shrouded everything but gradually it cleared to reveal this stark minimalist scene.“A truly minimalistic yet strong composition that caught my eye. This photograph is the embodiment of a perfect use of negative space. The absence of horizon challenges your sense of perspective which keeps you captivated and engaged.”Cath Simard«This a beautifully composed image, I particularly liked the soft transition of tones from a soft blue to the whites of the snow. The composition has been carefully considered, each branch neatly separated from each other, with the hint of mist in the background finishing it off nicely. A superb minimalist image.»Stuart McGlennon