A dog caught mid-leap, an ethereal shipwreck and a the much-missed Sycamore Gap are awarded prizes in the London Exchange’s inaugural photography competition.
The winners and runners-up of the London Exchange Photographer of the Year Awards 2024 have been announced.
A spellbinding shot of a long-tongued bat in Costa Rica taken by Marilyn Tayor was awarded overall winner of this international photography competition. However, among the 14 categories, a host of UK amateurs scooped prizes. We take a look at some of the best British winners and runner’s up.
LCE Photographer of the Year 2024 winners and runners up
Anti-Gravity Dog
Daniel Sheridan (Winner, Pets)
“This is Rusty, a King Charles Cavalier. If there’s one thing he isn’t rusty at, it’s getting massive airtime!” Daniel Sheridan
Haldon Belvedere Misty Sunrise, Devon, England
Daryl Baker (Winner, Drone)
“I’ve had some fantastic opportunities up here at the Belvedere over the past few months, revisiting time and time again and praying for the perfect conditions. However, it never crossed my mind it would be this good.
I set out from home driving into a massive amount of fog only being able to see about a metre in front of me. I acted fast and headed to some local hills, but was disappointed as it was a high fog. I took a gamble and drove up to Haldon hoping for a result, driving in thick fog for about 10 miles. Turning off the A38 to drive towards the Belvedere, I couldn’t believe it. It was clear, and the fog/cloud was brimming over the trees, leaving an inversion.
I raced down, parked up fast, and launched the drone. I remember shouting YES out loud when I saw what was on my screen! I was so happy to be able to get these conditions, frantically trying to capture all the angles I could before it all dissipated!” Daryl Baker
Incoming Gannets
Linda Ariss (Winner, Birds)
“On a boat around Bempton Cliffs, watching the many gannets. They sometimes looked so ungainly, splaying their wings and feet out. But, wow, when they fold themselves into a dart shape and dive in for a fish, they are magnificent and a joy to watch.” Linda Ariss
Sailing
David Higton (Winner, Abstract)
“Intentional camera movement – taken at West Kirby.” David Higton.
Buttercup Echoes
Fo Bugler (Runner up, Abstract)
“A composite of images I took of buttercups down a Dorset lane whilst at a festival.” Fo Bugler
Sycamore Gap – The Last Show
Ian Sproat (Runner Up, After Dark)
“I got this shot just a week or so before Sycamore Gap was maliciously chopped down.
Sycamore Gap was so close to my heart for so many reasons, it was a place of peace for so many, including myself. Whenever I needed a break from normal life, I would drive to Twice Brewed Park up and make my way to the magical tree. I don’t think people understand how important this place was for some of us, sadly no more.
This particular evening was very special. A group of people were standing nearby, waiting for a show of northern lights to appear, and a lot had already left in fear that they’d missed it. But a friend and I agreed the best was yet to come, and boy were we right. To date, one of the best shows I’ve ever seen in this country. Now this image is even more important to me and will forever remain one of my favourite images I’ve ever taken.” Ian Sproat.
Lincoln Cathedral at Night
Andrew Scott (Runner Up, People’s Choice)
“Snow falling on Michealgate in Lincoln with Lincoln Cathedral in the background. Shot at 1/30th second, ISO 1600 in a snowstorm. The real test of hand-held shooting, manual exposure, and lightroom editing.” Andrew Scott.
Vole’s Eye View
Simon Roberts (Runner Up, Birds)
“Barn owl pouncing silently on prey.” Simon Roberts.
Sunrise Delight
Elizabeth Coles (Runner Up, Landscape)
“I had woken and seen the mist on the river, so I quickly got out of bed, grabbed my camera, and rushed down to the waterside.
I quickly set my camera on the tripod and took various shots of the Royal Albert Bridge with the mist and the Ashtoretore clubhouse underneath. The sunrise started to shine through the mist in this particular image. I was so pleased with my morning adventure.” Elizabeth Coles.
Wrecked
Christopher Holdsworth (Runner Up, Landscape)
“From a low angle, I framed the Corpach Shipwreck against the Highland mountains, capturing the vessel’s weathered grace against the timeless backdrop of rugged peaks, nature eroding what remains of the ship.” Christopher Holdsworth.
Feeling inspired?
Check out the details of next year’s LCE Photographer of the Year 2025, which will be announced later this year.
For more winning photos, visit our guide to Nature Photographer of the Year 2023 winners and Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest 2023 winners.