Landscape Photographer of the Year

‘A landscape image cuts across all political and national boundaries; it transcends the constraints of language and culture.’

Following the huge success and popularity of previous years, the search for the UK’s Landscape Photographer of the Year for 2009 is now under way. Entrants have until 15th July to enter the ‘Take a view’ Awards by submitting their photographs of the British landscape.

Unlike many other photographic competitions, ‘Take a view’ celebrates the United Kingdom only, offering photographers worldwide the opportunity to showcase their images of this richly diverse country. From salt marshes, chalk cliffs and ancient woodland to historic villages, parklands and cityscapes, this Award aims to highlight the positive interaction between people and places that is so important for us all.

The idea of renowned landscape photographer, Charlie Waite, ‘Take a view’ offers a total prize fund worth £20,000, including £10,000 for the overall winner. The 2009 exhibition of winning and commended entries will again be held, over a seven-week period, at the National Theatre in London. With landscape being one of the most popular styles of photography, it is hardly surprising that more than 70,000 people enjoyed the 2008 event.

Charlie Waite says of ‘Take a view’, “I am confident that, as ‘Take a view’ embarks on its third year, it is now clearly embedded into our consciousness. People are photographing more than ever before and, if ever there was a good time to get out with a camera and to use its wonderful creative potential to help us to engage with our surroundings, it has to be now”.

Over recent weeks, Waite has been working closely with two of the protectors of England’s landscape and is delighted to announce that that the 2009 Awards have the support of Natural England and the English National Parks Authorities. He believes that “this is the synergy that the competition needs. To be supported by those who work hard to ensure that the country is managed in the best possible way for the future is such a good match. Only by being aware of what can be lost and the actions we can take, can we be sure that our landscape remains our most precious asset”.

Dr Helen Phillips, CEO of Natural England, says, “Our landscapes are more than just attractive scenery - they tell a vivid story of how, for centuries, the natural environment and human settlement have influenced each other. They form a vital part of our cultural identity, they inspire art and literature, and provide millions with spiritual fulfilment and places to relax and enjoy. Healthy landscapes give us essential resources such as food and water, provide a living for us and habitats for wildlife, and regulate our changing climate.”

She continues: “This competition is an important initiative to help people value and appreciate the enormous variety of landscapes in this country and the many challenges that they face. All landscapes matter – to people and to wildlife – and every photograph entered for this competition has the chance to emphasise this.”

The 2009 book of winning entries will be launched at the opening of the ‘Take a view’ exhibition, in the superb surroundings of the National Theatre on London’s South Bank. The competition has now become an annual event that reflects the heart and spirit of Britain.

All entries must be uploaded via the competition website, and the closing date is 15th July 2009. Entry fees apply. Full terms and conditions can be found on the site.

www.take-a-view.co.uk

How to Enter

You have until July 15th 2009 to submit up to 15 photographs, taken within the British Isles, for a chance to win £10,000 and to become the UK's Landscape Photographer of the Year.

Entry is open to all and you have the opportunity to see your photographs in the beautiful Take a view Awards book, available for Christmas 2008, plus the chance to have your work exhibited at the National Theatre on London's South Bank in the late Autumn.

The competition has both adult and youth classes, as well as categories that allow for a variety of styles and subjects - including pictures taken on mobile phones.

Capture the spirit of Britain and share your own personal views of the nation's most beautiful, unusual and challenging landscapes.

www.take-a-view.co.uk