news

Great Awards feature in February's What Digital Camera Magazine

What Digital Camera magazine has a great five page feature on the Awards in their February issue. It shows seven of the winning images, highlighting the cameras that produced such stunning results.

Over 57 models of camera were represented in this year's Awards book - a record we think!

Charlie Waite - Extra date for talk & exhibition tour added

We know that some of you were disappointed at not being able to get tickets for Charlie Waite's talks/tours in January. Now that the exhibition has been extended, we are pleased to announce a new date - February 8th.

Charlie will be giving 40 minute tours of the exhibition space in the afternoon (tickets £8) and a 45 minute talk on photographic influences incorporating an opportunity for Q & A's in the National Theatre Bookshop at 7.45pm (tickets £5). Charlie is also available for book signing at the end of the talk. Tickets are available by calling the National Theatre Box Office: 020 7452 3000

(Picture: Charlie Waite by Michael Kemp)

National Theatre Exhibition run extended

Great news that the National Theatre exhibition will be extended for a further three weeks and will now close on February 19th. The long opening hours mean that there are still plenty of opportunities to visit. However, the Theatre is not open every Sunday and is open for shorter hours when it is. They are changing their website at the moment so, if you want to visit on a Sunday, it may be best to call to double check times first...020 7452 3400

Picture (Opening night): Michael Kemp

Short film of 'Private view' Awards night is now online
18th December 2011
			Ben Harvey, from The Difference Engine, has put together a short film for us showing some of the highlights of our opening night at the National Theatre on December 6th 2011. It is 4 mins 30 secs long, so the perfect length to sit back and relax with a cup of tea & a chocolate biscuit. You can see it here.

Jim Carter presents the Awards at this year's Private view

The 2011 exhibition at the National Theatre was officially launched last Tuesday, with a busy Private view evening and Awards presentation. Guest speakers, David Higgins, Chief Executive of Network Rail & Michele Channer, MD of Calumet Photographic, presented their special Awards to winners, Shahbaz Majeed & Simon Atkinson.

Our very Special Guest, Jim Carter, known to millions as Mr Carson from Downton Abbey, said a few words about the high standard of the photography before presenting Awards for the Landscape Photographer of the Year 2011 to Robert Fulton & the Young Landscape Photographer of the Year to 14-year old Oscar Stewart-Packe.

Thanks also to Nick Crane for attending the evening and for his continued support. Nick was special guest speaker for

the first year of the Awards in 2007.

Jim Carter with Oscar Stewart-Packe

(all photos: Michael Kemp)

Charlie Waite talks - Behind the Photograph

Entry to this year's exhibition at the National Theatre is free. The long opening hours mean that there is plenty of opportunity to call in have a coffee and to enjoy all the wonderful photography. Full details can be found on the National Theatre website. (NB Exhibition closed on 8th Jan for Theatre event).

Awards founder, Charlie Waite, will be giving talks in the NT Bookshop on 13&14 Dec 2011 and 23&24 January 2012 at 7.45pm. In his talk, Behind the Photograph, he will be chatting about photographic influences & inspiration and will be showing images from his new book, Arc&Line. Tickets are £5 and are available from the box office. He will also be giving tours of the exhibition in the afternoons of the same dates. Tickets are £8 but only a limited number are available and are selling fast, so you will need to be quick to snap up one of the last few.
NT Box Office: 020 7452 3000

Christmas issue of Outdoor Photography available now

A particularly good edition of this excellent magazine! There is a fantastic 5-page article featuring Outdoor Photography's choice of this year's winners. David Webb's image of Bamburgh Castle looks particularly stunning as a double-page spread.

Just by chance, there's also an interview with photographer, Adam Burton, one of only four photographers whose images have appeared in all five Awards books. As entries are always judged completely anonymously, it's an amazing achievement. Andrew Dunn, David Clapp &

Ian Cameron are the others sharing this accolade. Adam's picture was chosen for the cover of this year's awards book - Collection 5.

Exhibition in the North-East includes work by Living the view runner-up, Mark Bradshaw

Gateshead-based photographer Mark Bradshaw has had considerable success in the Take a view Awards, being the Judge's choice of Charlie Waite in 2010 & runner-up in the Living the view category in 2011 (see picture - left).

Mark is one of several photographers, based in the North East who are putting on an exhibition of their photography.

“A Ramble with Amble” takes place in the Granary Gallery, Arts Centre Washington from 6th December 2011 to 15th January, 2012, so do call in if you can.

New book from Awards founder &  landscape photographer, Charlie Waite

Landscape Photographer, Charlie Waite, who is the man behind the Take a view Awards, is about to publish a new book of fine art photographic images, 'Arc & Line'. There will initially be a beautifully boxed limited edition of only 250 copies, which will each come with a signed and numbered A3 print - Mount Fuji from the Shore.

Great inspiration, both for landscape photographers and for those who enjoy looking at beautiful images. Now available for pre-order, you can find out more information and order details on Charlie's website. The main edition, of the book only, will follow.

New Camden Graphics card range to be launched

Great excitement here, as we are pleased to announce that you will soon be able to buy 'Take a view' greetings cards. We have been working with our photographers and Camden Graphics, who produce some of the best photographic cards around, to put together an initial selection of 13 cards, which will be available from all the usual outlets from January 2012. The images have been chosen from the last four years of the Awards and more will be added in the future.

If you visit the National Theatre exhibition this year, you may well get the first chance to see them, as we are hoping they will be available at the NT Bookshop, prior to their main launch.

Results featured in Amateur Photographer Magazine

This week's issue of Amateur Photographer is now in the shops. (Cover date 5/11/11). Their fantastic eight-page feature is the first to show all of the main winning and highly commended entries from the adult section of this year's competition, together with the 'Young Landscape Photographer of the Year' winner and comments by Awards founder, Charlie Waite. We think it looks great and really appreciate all the support Amateur Photographer have given to 'Take a view' over our first five years. Editor, Damien Demolder, was again a member of our final judging panel this year and willingly gives up his time and expertise to assess all the short-listed entries. So a BIG thankyou goes to you all - Damien, Gemma, Chris, Oliver & Estelle!

Network Rail 'Lines in the Landscape' Award winner

Shahbaz Majeed has won the 2011 Network Rail Award for this stunning night-time picture of a train speeding over the Tay Bridge, Dundee at dusk.

As Awards founder & judge, Charlie Waite, says 'Shahbaz's image is reminiscent of W H Auden’s Night Train and captures the essence of drama and speed. It helps to reinforce how important the rail network is for us all'.

Simon Atkinson wins the first Calumet 'This is Britain' Award

Awards supporters, Calumet Photographic, introduced a new Special Award this year for the image which, in their opinion, sums up the spirit of Britain in 2011.

The winner was Simon Atkinson, whose image of Staithes at twilight was their favourite. A traditional fishing village on the NE Coast near Whitby, Staithes is a haven for landscape photographers and Simon has certainly shown the village in a beautiful light.

Latest Awards book published - Collection 5

All 175 winning and commended entries from this year's competition can be found in Landscape Photographer of the Year - Collection 5 by AA Publishing. The book has just been published and is now available from all main bookstores and online.

As ever, an excellent Christmas present idea!

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: AA Publishing; 5th edition

ISBN-13: 978-0749571405

The Winner is Announced

Many congratulations to Robert Fulton who has just won the title of 'Landscape Photographer of the Year' and the top prize of £10,000. Robert is the fifth person to win this accolade and his striking image, of a winter field in Stirlingshire, made its debut in The Sunday Times Magazine today.

Amateur Photographer Magazine (Cover date 5/11) will have a feature showing all the main 2011 winners and a list of all the successful entries will be on our website from the 5th November.

The exhibition at the National Theatre will show more than 100 of the best images from this year & runs from 5th December 2011 until 28th January 2012 (Admission free).

Spectrum of Winners

The Sunday Times Magazine are again the first to show their selection of favourites from this year's winning entries in their famous 'Spectrum' section that showcases the best photography from around the world.

Covering the whole 12 pages of Spectrum, the images look amazing and definitely make a section to pull out and keep.

Michael Diblicek's graphic image of Folkestone won The Sunday Times Magazine Choice Award & is among the images in Spectrum (23rd Oct)

Mike McFarlane travels the UK

Mike McFarlane, who won the Lowepro Environment Award in the first year of the competition, is currently off on a twelve month trip around the British Isles. Travelling mainly by public transport and bike, Mike will create 360 degree panoramics of landscape conservation schemes across the UK. The resulting photographs will be used as part of the centenary celebrations of The Wildlife Trusts and will appear at their visitor centres and on various websites. You can keep track of Mike's progress via his website or Twitter, (@mikejmcfarlane)

Mike's winning image of Loch Mallachie in the Cairngorms

CPRE launch new website

Take a view supporters, CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England), have just launched a new-look website. They do a lot to help protect our countryside and there is plenty of information on their site about the projects they are involved in and how to get in touch with your local group, so it is well worth a visit. CPRE President, Bill Bryson, helped us to judge the first Landscape Awards in 2007.

Amateur Photographer's 'Spotlight' on the Network Rail Award

There is an excellent 5-page feature in this week's Amateur Photographer magazine showing all ten shortlisted images from the first Network Rail 'Lines in the Landscape' award. You don't have to be a railway enthusiast to appreciate the beauty of the Victorian viaducts and bridges and the way our railways interact with their surroundings. Cover date of the issue is July 2nd, so you will have to be quick as they always go fast. Think WH Smith has a special offer cover price as well, so it's a bit of a bargain.

The Albert Bridge by Colin Grace

Take a view's day out

It may have been the hottest day of the year so far but, despite the heat, a

good day was had at Manchester Station on Monday. Awards founder, Charlie Waite,

was on hand to chat about the Awards to all those interested, leaflets were handed out

& photographic discussions had. Thanks to all at Network Rail who made it possible and helped to organise the day.

Charlie Waite @ Manchester Piccadilly

Outdoor Photography's 'Opening shot'

Outdoor Photography magazine's July issue features Antony Spencer's beautiful image of Somerset lavender as its 'Opening shot' double page spread. Commended in last year's Awards, it is a stunning & evocative picture that really makes you wish that you could have been there too.

                     Lavender at dawn by Antony Spencer

The best of the North East at the Biscuit Factory

Two successful entrants from the Take a view Awards, Roger Clegg & Andrew Whitaker, are currently exhibiting a selection of their stunning landscapes of the North East as part of the sceNE exhibition at the Biscuit factory in Newcastle. The exhibition is on now and runs until August 30th. More details.

Sycamore Gap, Northumberland by Roger Clegg (Northumberland National Park Award 2009)

Come and see us in Manchester

Take a view are heading to Manchester. The afternoon of Monday, June 27th will find us on the concourse at Manchester Piccadilly station ready and waiting to chat about photography and this year's competition and to answer any questions you may have. So, if you are in the area, do come along and say hello to awards founder, Charlie Waite. We'll be there (near platform 6) from 12.15 until 5.30pm.

Moors Valley exhibition runs until July

Following on from its successful run at the National Theatre, the latest Landscape Photographer of the Year exhibition opened at Moors Valley Country Park on Friday, May 27th. Lots of successful entrants from the region attended the opening night, as well as local press and other guests. Entry to the exhibition is free, although a charge is made for car parking. There isn't space to show everything that was on display in London, so please call to check if you wish to see a specific picture. The exhibition runs until July 10th 2011 and full details can be found on the Moors Valley website.

Picture, with kind permission of Moors Valley, shows successful entrants from 2010 (From Left): Marcin Bera, David Williamson, Christopher Russell, Antony Spencer, Anthony Blake

Antony Spencer leads for Light & Land

Current Landscape Photographer of the Year, Antony Spencer, has become the latest leader for Charlie Waite's photographic tour and workshop company 'Light & Land'. Charlie first met Antony when he visited him last Autumn to tell him of his win and was delighted to find a man with the enthusiasm, knowledge and talent that will make him a perfect addition to the Light & Land team. You can find out more on the Light & Land website.

Win an exciting trip to the Severn Tunnel Pumping Station

Hope that you are all out taking photographs of the British rail network...

This year's prize for the Network Rail 'Lines in the Landscape' Award is a unique opportunity to visit the Severn Rail Tunnel’s Sudbrook Pumping Station. The historic station was built to pump water from the tunnel, including that from the Great Spring, which was discovered during tunnel construction in the late 19th century. The pumps now remove an average of 15 million gallons of water each day.  The winner will receive special guided tour of the facility (not open to the general public) including travelling down the 180ft lift shaft to the complex of underground culverts; sub-tunnels where you can safely observe the trains as they speed pass.

New Award for 2011 - The Calumet Photographic 'This is Britain' Award

Calumet Photographic has been a supporter of the Awards since year one and we are very pleased that they have decided to introduce their own Special Award for 2011.

They are looking for the one picture that sums up the spirit and landscape of Britain in 2011. All images entered into the main categories will be considered for this Award and they are looking for something just a bit different, something that triggers an emotional response relevant to the times we live in today.

Tell us your news

If you have been successful in any of the previous 'Take a view' Awards and would like

to tell us about any photographic exhibitions or book projects that you are involved with, then just send an email to our usual address and we will do our best to feature you on our News page & Facebook wall. Please make sure that any images that you send us are clear for use in this way.

Doug Chinnery exhibition in Nottinghamshire

Previous 'Take a view' category winner, Pete Bridgwood has just opened a new gallery of photography, in association with Chris Upton, in the Patchings Art Centre in Calverton, Nottinghamshire. The changing exhibitions will include images from other successful 'Take a view' entrants. Doug Chinnery, whose image was the 'Judge's Choice' of National Theatre Director, John Langley, in 2010, is the first, so do call in if you are nearby. Doug's exhibition is open now and runs until June 8th. (9.30 to 16.30 every day, admission free).

Have you seen our latest Newsletter?

Our launch Newsletter has just gone out, so if you haven't got your copy, just sign up via the link on the left of our Homepage and we will make sure that you get future editions. We don't send a lot, so your mailbox won't get overloaded, but they do help you to keep up with all our latest news.

You can see the Newsletter online for a limited period by clicking here

Chris Howe proves his head for heights on the Forth Rail Bridge

Chris Howe's image of Grindleford Station in Derbyshire was the winner of the first Network Rail Special Award for the best image of Britain's rail network - the 'Lines in the Landscape' Award. His prize was a special trip to Edinburgh and a walking tour to the very top of the Forth Bridge. With the trains whizzing past below his feet and stunning views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth, it must have been a unique experience. We don't think that they asked him to help apply the 20,000m sq of paint needed to paint the whole structure though...

Natural England Award Winner visits Lundy Island

Natural England were looking for the image that best showed the concept of 'Landscape on your Doorstep' and their Special Award went to Sławek Staszczuk for his image of the South Downs - his local landscape. He won a trip to Lundy Island, England's first Marine Nature Reserve and has just been over to explore the island. The weather could have been better but he got some lovely moody pictures that really evoke the atmosphere of this unique island in the Bristol Channel.

Sławek's winning image

Feeling Creative?...the 'Your view' category is for you

The 'Your view' category has always encouraged imagination and creativity but, this year, the rules concerning allowable adjustments have been relaxed for this category only. But it is very important to remember that the image still has to 'work' and has to say something about the UK landscape that will strike a positive chord with the judges. More details can be found on our 'how to enter' page. PS. This is a hard article to illustrate and the light bulbs are just supposed to suggest lots of ideas - not an example of what we are looking for!

See overall winner, Antony Spencer, on Countrywise

Antony Spencer, the current Landscape Photographer

of the Year, has been out and about filming for ITV's 'Countrywise' programme. The feature, about his photography, the Awards and the beautiful Dorset countryside appeared in the first programme of the

new series which aired on April 5th. There is still plenty of time to see it via ITV Player, where it will be available throughout April & early May.

Ready for 2011?

Entry for this year's competition will open in the Spring. The weather & light are key to the success or otherwise of our photography and we have certainly had wide ranging weather this Winter. You will have until mid July to enter and so there will be plenty of time to enjoy the colours of Spring and early Summer as well. It has been interesting to see how previous Awards have reflected the drama of recent weather - from the storms and floods of 2007 to the deep snow of 2009. I suspect we may see a few more snow scenes again this year...

Exhibition tour for 2011

Missed the latest Exhibition at the National Theatre? There will be a chance to see the pictures again. They will be on show for the third year running at the Moors Valley Country Park in Dorset from the end of May until early July and will be at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire from mid October until the end of November, which will lead up to the premier of the new winners at the National Theatre in December 2011 and January 2012. We will add more information as we have it and you can also visit the websites at Moors Valley and Queen Elizabeth

Chance to see a short film of the Private view of the exhibition

A short film, by independent film-maker, Jacob Bloor, from the opening night of the exhibition at the National Theatre can now be seen thanks to supporters, Environment Films, who are hosting the film for us.

The film can be seen here

Landscape Photographer of the Year - Collection 4 available now

'Digital readers' certainly have their uses but there's nothing like leafing through the freshly printed pages of a beautiful hardcover book.

The latest in the series of Awards books, Landscape Photographer of the Year - Collection 4, is now out and can be found at all good bookstores and online outlets.

175 winning and commended images from the four Awards categories are included from all corners of Britain and the book really is a great Christmas present idea.

Published by AA Publishing (RRP £25)                                                                                          

What Digital Camera Magazine interviews Antony Spencer

Matt Tuffin, from What Digital Camera magazine has interviewed 2010 Landscape Photographer of the Year, Antony Spencer, about his landscape photography and his winning image.

See the result on YouTube or by clicking here

The picture shows Antony (left) and Matt chatting in the landscape around Corfe Castle, the location of Antony's winning image.

(Picture courtesy: Matt Tuffin/What Digital Camera/YouTube)

Exhibition Printing

All the exhibition prints at the National Theatre exhibition were printed by Bayeux, using the brand new Epson Stylus Pro 9900. The high standard of the printing, combined with the quality of the images themselves, makes a great combination.
A number of you have been in touch asking for contact details for your own photographic projects and any enquiries should be directed to Terry Hack at Bayeux (terryh@bayeux.co.uk).