Behind the Lens
Behind The Lens provides insight from each photographer about their image, giving viewers an extra dimension to the exhibition on display at London Paddington, 3 – 30 July. You can view all the winning images plus more at the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition at Paddington Station, London. The exhibition highlights the diversity, beauty, wildlife, heritage, and seasonality of the coastal environment, on and around the South West Coast Path. Thank you to Great Western Railway and Network Rail for their support of the exhibition.
South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year
OVERALL WINNER
James Loveridge
An aerial view over Lyme Regis Cobb during Storm Ciaran
I took this photo at Lyme Regis in Dorset on November 2nd 2023, during Storm Ciaran. I used a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone to take this photo. I hadn’t even considered drone photos being possible when I went to Lyme Regis that morning at high tide. I was expecting to get photos with my camera and get soaked by the wind and rain, but there was no rain and barely any wind, which was remarkable. So little wind that I was able to fly my smaller drone, which weighs just 249 grams and it had no problems at all. I have won the Climate Change category previously with photos of storms on the Jurassic Coast where I live and thought this was my best capture yet and a very unique one to be able to get an aerial image during such a powerful storm.
We’re seeing increasing numbers of storms on the Jurassic Coast in recent years, which I document by getting videos and photographs of all of the major rockfalls in West Dorset and we often see the South West Coast Path having to be moved inland as a result. It’s great to have won the overall competition for the first time, so I thank the judges and feel lucky that I was in the right place at the right time and the conditions were right to get this photograph.
Climate Change
Highlighting the impact of increased storms and rising sea levels on the Trail
WINNER
Gary Holpin
Blue hour over a flooded Porlock Marsh
Porlock Marsh on the North Somerset coast, not far from the start of the Coast Path in Minehead It was taken in late March 2023 when a high tide swamped the skeletal trees of the marsh, in the blue hour just after sunset It was taken with my Sony A7RIV mirrorless camera. A long shutter speed of 20 seconds was used to smooth the ripples on the water in order to simplify the composition Having spent 30 years working at the Met Office, I know all too well the risks that climate change poses, and the changes to our coast that it is likely to bring. Porlock Marsh was once reclaimed farm land, but rising sea levels have increasingly breached the protective bank, and eventually the marsh was allowed to be reclaimed by the sea. I think the skeletal trees (killed by the salt water) are a stark reminder of the rapidly changing coastline due to our warming climate. As a volunteer for the SWCPA and a regular SWCP walker, I see with my own eyes the increasing changes to the coastline caused by rising sea levels and more storms. I rarely enter competitions, as although I’m a professional photographer, I’ve never felt that confident about my photos, so I’m really pleased to have won. I’m especially pleased to win in the climate change category – a topic that I’m passionate about, and for the SWCPA, a charity that I’m also passionate about!
SECOND PLACE
Anick Graveline
Backyards slowly crumbling into a sea of red
This photo was taken at one of my favourite stops, Sidmouth, on May 26 2023. I was fascinated that the ocean could turn so red from the eroding red cliffs. I wondered if it is always like that or if there had been a recent cliff fall. When I sent up my drone, I noticed several small cliff falls at the base of the cliffs, which may have been colouring the ocean water. When I flew higher above the cliffs, I realised how many property backyards seemed to have obviously crumbled into the red sea below! It made for a vivid image! I wish I could have talked to some of those residents about the timeframe and occurrence of the erosion of their properties. Theirs would be the best voices to comment on any changes in climate. However I did witness evidence of several cliff falls and erosion all along the coastal path. I am happy to have captured that moment in time in the progression of coastal erosion…I just wish I had an older image to compare to!
THIRD PLACE
Jennifer Rogers
Storm Bella at Pendeen
On the coast path between Pendeen Lighthouse and Levant During Storm Bella, 28th December 2020 Canon 5D Mk IV, the image is a panorama of two consecutive images stitched, to include the chimneys at Levant. Climate change is affecting our weather systems and producing more extreme weather conditions such as storms, as well as producing rising sea levels. This is increasing erosion and damaging the coastal path. I included this image in Climate Change to show the impact the waves are having on the coastline.
Your Path
Reflecting personal and unique connections to the coast path.
WINNER
Jennifer Rogers
Milky Way over Gwennap Head, shot at moonset
The photo was taken on the headland overlooking Porth Loe and Gwennap Head, between Porthgwarra and Nanjizal. I used my Canon 5D IV. To get more detail in the Milky Way I mounted my camera on an Ioptron sky tracker which rotates in the opposite direction to Earth, allowing longer exposures of the stars. I shot the foreground first as the moon set, to capture more light on the foreground, then the sky immediately after from the same position (the tracker blurs the foreground so it has to be shot separately), and blended the two shots in Photoshop. I have always been fascinated by the sea, and since moving to Devon in 2010 have spent most of my free time walking on and photographing the coast path and its environs. I particularly like the wild and rugged sections, and my favourite section of the coastpath is between Porthgwarra and Land’s End. The rock formations are spectacular, and the night sky is very dark, making it a great area for night photography. As this is my favourite section this image seemed particularly apt to to enter into ‘Your Path’. I love the solitude of the path at night, this evening remains fresh in my memory as there were hundreds of frogs hopping along the path as I walked up to the viewpoint! There was a beautiful moonset followed by a clear dark sky, perfect for Milky Way photography. I am absolutely delighted to be selected, I feel a huge affinity with the sea and its environs and spend most of my free time out on the coastpath taking images of the coastpath and the sea. It is a huge honour to have my photograph chosen.
SECOND PLACE
Andy Lyons
Catching the Light at Swyre Head
The photo was taken from Swyre Head, Dorset, looking West towards Kimmeridge bay and Gad Cliff in December 2023, shooting on my backup Nikon Z5 camera at the time. It was a long exposure shot of 30 seconds as my aim was to smooth out the effect of the mist rolling down off the faces of the cliffs and over the coastal path as first light was catching the peaks. Living in Swanage near the start of the path I will often find myself out on it in many different locations and conditions from dusk till dawn and into the middle of the night for astrophotography opportunities with the associated dark skies but being at the top of Swyre Head gives a great view point along the path (though perhaps not on this morning!) Being out on the path and watching the environment and conditions change before your eyes can be truly memorable but more importantly for me really good for the mental health and switching off from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s lovely to know that the image will be witnessed by many others at the exhibition and hopefully encourage some of them to the coast to see through their own eyes the stunning views that I am fortunate to live near.
THIRD PLACE
Shaun Selley
Barricane Sunset
The photo was taken on the 9th February 2023. It was taken with the Sony a7IV and Sigma 14 – 24mm lens. Camera settings – ISO 50, 1/40 second shutter speed, f16. What I love about this part of the South West coast path is the ruggedness of the rocks which overlook the beautiful sands of Barricane and Woolacombe Beach. Even though it’s a popular place to visit you can always find a peaceful and secluded spot to sit and watch the sunset, which I have done many a time. The tide dramatically changes how the scenery looks so it always looks new every time you visit.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Stephen Griffiths
Winter sun at Saunton Sands
This photo was taken from the SW Coast Path overlooking Saunton Sands beach, in February 2023, using a Sony a7ii, focal length 200mm, iso100, f5.6. I’m lucky enough to live close by this section of the SW Coast Path so get to visit fairly regularly and love the views across the long stretch of sand at Saunton and the looking out to sea as the swell rolls in. The light on this winter’s day was particularly golden and being winter the beach was pretty quiet allowing me to catch this isolated group of surfers getting ready to paddle out. It’s a privilege to have my image selected to be displayed alongside some very worthy winners of each category.
Urban Lines
Showcasing the towns and cities that punctuate the South West coastline.
WINNER
Alex Walton
Trail lights of Sidmouth
The photo was taken from Salcombe Hill overlooking the East Devon regency town of Sidmouth on the Jurassic coast. In the picture, you can see the trail lights of vehicles travelling along the seafront road which runs parallel to the promenade. The seafront forms approximately one mile of the South West Coast Path. Camera: Nikon D610 DSLR Lens: Sigma 150mm-600mm Exposure: 30secs Aperture: f/16 ISO: 50 Focal length: 220mm. For this picture, I wanted to show the length of the seafront from a high viewpoint so I chose a long lens which has the effect of foreshortening the overall image and allows me more range than a wide angle lens. I also wanted to capture the light trails made by the vehicles travelling up and down the seafront.
I feel immensely humbled and proud to be chosen as the winner of the Urban Lines category. I am always out and about plodding the coastal path with my camera, especially around Sidmouth. It’s a fantastic feeling to know my passion for photographing the town has been noticed and appreciated. I rarely enter photography competitions but I leapt at the opportunity when I saw this category come up in the SWCP Photographer of the Year competition as I knew it would give me a chance to showcase this beautiful location on the South West Coast Path.
SECOND PLACE
Anick Graveline
Finding amazing texture in the urban jungle
This photograph was taken on June 2 2023 a few hours after completing my 43 day walk of the SWCP at Poole. I had just checked into a standard hotel at this busy intersection, experiencing an anticlimax which is inevitable at the end of most great endeavours! Although looking forward to what the city had to offer, everything looked a bit grey and dull, after weeks on the green path, especially with the tide out. I sat near the sea wall somewhat indifferent to my surrounding until I sent my drone high up above. Oh what a sight to discover the beauty and patterns of the intertidal zone sitting right in front of me! Although the highlights of my path were in the most remote locations, I always enjoyed the mix of cities and countryside. In fact, I believe it is what makes this the best walk in the world! This photograph to me exemplifies that beauty can co-exist with the urban environment, if you seek it out.
THIRD PLACE
Mark Murton
Newlyn Harbour
Newlyn Harbour, Summer 2023, Canon EOS M100 with an 18-150mm lens. The shot was taken from across the harbour and needed a zoom lens. The focal distance enabled me to compress the perspective to emphasise how close the small fishermens’ cottages are to each other as they hug the steep hills around a typical Cornish Harbour. Like most people, when I think of the South West Coast Path the first image that pops into my head is of thrift and gorse clinging to well worn paths above coastal cliffs battered by waves. This photo shows a different side to the Coast Path. In one sense it’s a literal interpretation of the theme as the photo is made up of lines – the lines of the houses and the power lines. However, the photo also emphasises how densely packed the fishing villages are with small terraced cottages crammed into such a small area. The trawler being repaired in the dry dock adds to the industrial feel and provides a stark contrast to the more remote rural countryside normally associated with the South West Coast Path. Towns like Newlyn and St Ives are rich in heritage and if they are interesting enough to inspire some of the best British Artists of the 19th and early 20th Century, then they should be high on the list of any walker! It’s a privilege to be chosen to take part in an exhibition with so many talented photographers. To know that they will be displayed in such an iconic station – designed by the brilliant engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel – is equally exciting!
Nature
Exploring the diverse habitats and wildlife on the coastal margin.
WINNER (IMAGE 1)
Jennifer Rogers
Gannet View
Cape Cornwall, 21st January 2024 during Storm Isha, Canon 5D Mk IV. The image was taken in storm Isha, I was sheltering partly behind the wall round the back of the Cape, being buffeted by the wind. I had to shoot hand held with a very fast shutter speed of 1/2500 of a second to freeze both the bird’s movement, and also my movement in the wind. When I am on the coastpath I am immersed in nature. The sound of the sea, the calls of the birds, the beautiful spring flowers, the buffeting of the wind, it makes me feel alive. I particularly like wild weather, on this occasion nature was battering me with 60mph wind, and it was incredible to watch the gannets soaring and diving, still managing to catch fish in the stormy conditions. This image seemed particularly suited to the Nature category as it combined both wild weather and the incredible gannets coping with the conditions. I feel immensely proud and honoured to have been selected. My experience of nature on the coastpath is an immensely important part of my life and I am delighted to be able to share my image.
SECOND PLACE (IMAGE 2)
Jennifer Rogers
Sea Pinks and Stars
Hartland Quay 17 May 2023 Canon Eos R. I used a star tracker to shoot the Milky Way and then blended the sky with a foreground shot taken from the same position. I took two foreground shots and focus stacked to ensure the flowers were sharp. Each season on the coastpath brings a different aspect of nature. For me in the spring the wildflowers which carpet the headlands are the highlight. The colours of the flowers are so beautiful and provide a gorgeous view and foreground for images. The sea pinks are my favourite wild flowers and this image was taken when they were at their peak.
THIRD PLACE (IMAGE 3)
Jon Rees
Photobomb – a Marbled White butterfly, still sleepy after roosting overnight on grassland at Berry Head, Brixham. Plus a photobombing guest!
This image was taken at Berry Head Nature Reserve, on the South West Coast Path, just outside Brixham in South Devon. It was taken ridiculously early on a July morning, pre-sunrise, whilst this beautiful Marbled White Butterfly was still roosting and had not been revived by the warmth of the morning sun. The photo was taken using my Sony A7iii camera, using a Sigma 105mm Macro Lens – the image was taken using a very wide aperture (f2.8) to create the background bokeh effect as the morning light filtered through the undergrowth behind the butterfly. The photobombing fly on the grass below the butterfly was an unexpected bonus! The South West coast path is such a great place to see British wildlife – clearly it is best known for its birdlife, but I entered this image to remind us all to look down as well as up! I’m delighted to have my image chosen – having lived all my life in the South West of England, walks on the coast path have always been a great escape for me – both with and without the camera.
HIGHLY COMMENDED (IMAGE 4)
Anick Graveline
Sanctuary
This photo was taken on May 29 2023, as I was nearing the end of my 43 day walk of the SWCP. It was taken on West Fleet lagoon about halfway between Abbotsbury and Weymouth. It was a lonely stretch with very few encounters with other people. When the lagoon appeared after a long stretch of farmland, I sent up my mini drone to survey the lagoon from up high. That’s when I was able to see the flock of birds (and their shadows) flying around the very colourful confluence of a small creek around the bend in the shore. I loved flying my drone all along the coast path as there are many sights and wildlife (especially sealife) only visible from above. Flora, fauna and landscapes are my main interests when exploring new places. Completing the SWCP solo is one of my fondest memories and biggest life challenges, so sharing small moments which I alone experienced, through my photographs, is especially satisfying. I feel very privileged indeed.
Sky Shot
Capturing a bird’s eye perspective of the coastal environment.
WINNER (IMAGE 1)
Robert Beasley
Old Harry’s
The Image was taken at Old Harry’s Rocks, whilst visiting Swanage and the surrounding area for the first time last June (it definitely won’t be our last, as we had a fantastic trip). This Photo was taken as a manual vertical panoramic on the DJI Mini 3 Pro. I’d seen lots of classic shots of Old Harry’s captured way out at sea and looking back at the land, which is a stunning vista. But I really wanted to find a way of getting a new perspective of the iconic rocks, so I didn’t fly out as far to sea; With the help of my wife Nicola (who is also a photographer), we planned the shot by finding the best central spot and tilting the camera on the drone up and down a couple of times to make sure that the composition was balanced. Then I started shooting the tip of the rock formation using exposure bracketing and then tilted the camera up a bit at a time grabbing a shot each time, until the camera ended up pointed up towards the sky. I think I took roughly 21 shots in total, with no idea on the final outcome until I got back home and stitched all of the images together for the final shot. Whilst I did take many other non-panoramic shots of Old Harry’s and the surrounding areas, this shot and the unique perspective led to it being my favourite from the trip. I entered this shot after seeing some of the previous years entries whilst in Corfe and I was excited to see the competition running again at the tail end of 2023, so entered my take on Old Harry’s into the ‘Sky Shot’ category. Having had the chance to enjoy a fair few of Dorset’s and Cornwall’s stunning paths with my family (and camera), along with seeing the stunning entries from previous years; It is truly an honour to be selected as the winner of the Sky Shot category. I’m excited to see the entries from the other categories and hope to pop along and see the exhibition in Paddington.
SECOND PLACE (IMAGE 2)
James Loveridge
West Bay
The photo was taken at West Bay, Dorset 12th June 2023 I used a DJI Mini 3 Pro and flew to just below the legal height limit of 400ft, pointed the camera straight down and took 70 overlapping images, moving left to right, forwards and back, to create this panorama that makes it look a lot higher than it was, similar to a Google Earth view. I entered this shot because it’s an unusual image of a coastal location on the South West Coast Path that has never been done before. It’s a unique view of the coastal landscape here with a harbour, piers, beaches and a river. It’s great to see this image recognised, which I imagine wasn’t like any other entries in the category and fantastic to have two images recognised this year.
THIRD PLACE (IMAGE 3)
Gary Holpin
Colourful kayaks negotiating the rugged north Devon coast
It was taken on the rugged North Devon coast near to Watermouth Cove On a sunny day in September 2022 This was taken with a DJI Mini 3 drone I was just exploring the rugged coast when the kayaks appeared – what better to sum up the beautiful north Devon coastline than a top down view of the rugged cliffs, blue seas and some people enjoying it in their kayaks! The SWCP is close to my heart (so much so I’ve walked it twice) and walking it even got me into photography – so having any of my photos selected to represent the coast path seems like a great way to close the circle!
Young Photographer of the Year (under 18)
Emerging photographers showcase their talent through the lens of young eyes.
WINNER
William Curzon
Ayrmer’s Cove
The image was taken on a family walk along the coast at Ayrmer Cove – a small beach near to Ringmoor in South Devon. It was taken using my iPhone 12 mini making creative use of the ‘live photo’ feature. Subsequently, I edited on an app called ‘Snapseed’ where I turned it into black and white and added a slight vignette as well adjusting some basic features such as the brightness and the contrast. It feels absolutely incredible to be chosen as the SWCP Young Photographer Of The Year and I have a huge sense of satisfaction that my work has been recognised this way. It seems even more special to have won it as this July (straight after completing my GCSEs) I am going to be walking the full 630 miles of the coast path along with a couple of my friends.
SECOND PLACE
Erica Goldsmith
Over Time
This photo was taken on a walk along the coast at Little Dartmouth in the Autumn of 2023. Whilst I often take photos using a digital camera, this image was taken on my iPhone 11. I chose to submit it as a monochrome, because the depth of tone provided by black and white complemented the natural contrasts created by the light. My family visit the South Hams annually, where we walk many miles along the coastline, and having done this since I was young this section of South West Coast Path is very familiar to me. The category ‘Your Path’ therefore felt particularly pertinent especially as the Hawthorn in focus leans directly over the Coast Path itself. I was struck by the extreme angle of the tree caused by the many years of wind coming directly from the sea. It is a privilege to have my photo included in the exhibition, and it means a lot to me to be able to share the beauty of the SWCP for all to appreciate and admire.
THIRD PLACE
Ben Tucker
Catch of the Day
This photo was taken in West Bay Dorset. I was only 13 when I took this photo and it was one of the first outings with my new camera. My nan had lent me the money for a Nikon d3500 with a kit lens bundle. Growing up in the south west of England has always felt like a blessing many people take for granted. I’m based around Plymouth so this weekend away which was still based around the south west coast path was a breath of fresh air whilst still seeing local beauty. It feels surreal I entered this competition due to my teacher Mrs Goss who had prompted us to. But to think thousands of people will pass and look at my work is something I can’t comprehend.
Staff Selection
The South West Coast Path team select their favourite image from the 1,500 entries.
WINNER
Anick Graveline
The highlight of my SWCP…a moment alone in my little chapel on the hill
I had been looking forward to this milestone on my 43-day SWCP trek! But I didn’t expect to be completely alone with the wild ponies! I had 45 minutes to myself to take in the stunning views and idyllic weather conditions, and to drone to my heart’s content! I witnessed and filmed the ponies racing down the hill like in a Western movie! Sitting in the window of the deserted old chapel in the sunshine was THE high point of my entire walk! I will treasure that moment forever, so am thrilled to have it featured in print at the exhibition.
This exhibition was made possible through the generous support of Great Western Railway
If you’d like to enter next year’s South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Competition go to: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/Get-involved/take-part/photographer-of-the-year/
ENTRIES OPEN SEPTEMBER 2024
Find out what the judges said about the winning images:
https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/swcp-photo-exhibition/
The South West Coast Path 