Charlie Waite, a local Gillingham resident and revered figure in the world of photography, has been nicknamed the grandfather of British Landscape Photography. He has inspired thousands of photographers, not just through his own work, but also through the founding of the prestigious Landscape Photographer of the Year competition (LPOTY), one of the most celebrated photography contests in the UK. As the competition marks its 16th anniversary, photographers still have time to showcase their talent.
Charlie Waite’s profound influence extends beyond the competition itself. With a distinct photographic style that exudes serenity and calm, he has firmly established himself as the leading landscape photographer in the UK. He has published over 40 books and held 30 solo exhibitions, captivating audiences across the nation. Furthermore, he shares his expertise through Light & Land, a photography travel company that offers aspiring photographers the chance to explore and capture stunning images from various corners of the globe.
The Landscape Photographer of the Year competition continues to thrive under Charlie’s guidance. The 2023 competition is accepting entries until 31st May, providing photographers of all ages and skill levels with the opportunity to submit their landscape images, and the chance to have work recognised on a national scale.
With the aim of inspiring ‘profound engagement with the British landscape through photography’, the highly coveted competition has a prize fund worth over £20,000. The overall winner of Landscape Photographer of the Year 2023 will win £10,000, and there will be a beautiful coffee table book of best entries plus a touring exhibition. It is open to all photographers, from amateurs to professionals, and an under 18’s ‘young Photographer’ competition is free entry too.
There are nine categories available, the winner of each will win £1,000:
- Classic View
- Cityscapes – sponsored by Suttons
- Black and White – sponsored by Fotospeed
- Intimate View (macro and detail)
- Expression/Impressions of the Landscape
- Bird’s Eye View (Drone)
- Change in the Landscape sponsored by MPB.com
- My Railway Adventure sponsored by Network Rail
- Coast sponsored by Epson
All entries must have been taken in the UK since 31 May 2018. Be sure to read the Competition Rules before entering!
The Under 18s section has four categories: Coast, Cityscapes, Black and White and Classic View, and offers prizes of £500 for each category winner. The overall winner of the Young Landscape Photographer of the Year title, sponsored by 3Legged Thing, will win £1000!
All entries must be submitted through the submission portal before 1pm, 31 May 2023 – https://www.lpoty.co.uk/
As the deadline for submissions approaches, photographers are urged to seize this chance to showcase their talent, connect with the spirit of Dorset, and contribute to the legacy of British photography. Charlie Waite’s visionary approach and his commitment to capturing the beauty of landscapes will undoubtedly continue to inspire photographers to embrace the art form and embark on their own creative journeys.
I would like to enter in the competition please