We've all seen rainbows, but have you ever witnessed a moonbow? Also known as a lunar rainbow, this optical phenomenon happens when moonlight is refracted through water droplets in the air. They're rarer than rainbows, which makes photographer Aaron Watson‘s image of a double moonbow even more special.

Watson of Skies-Alive Photography captured the incredible image in Colorado around 2 a.m., just one day before August's Supermoon Blue Moon. That evening, the photographer was awoken by the sound of rain when he looked out and saw the nearly full moon. Knowing that these were optimal conditions for a moonbow, he picked up his equipment and, to his delight, saw a double moonbow. It lasted for just a few minutes, but he was able to immortalize the moment on camera.

“Seeing the moonbow in this nighttime setting is subtle and surreal,” he tells My Modern Met. “This moonbow is a double, which adds to the allure. The sagebrush meadow and beautiful mountain in the distance provide a lovely touch of natural scenery. It was a wonderful but fleeting moment and I am glad to have the photos to remember it by.”

This is the third moonbow that Watson has photographed in the past year. Each sighting occurred when evening rain showers created the perfect environment. Given that he lives in an area with minimal skyglow and has the proper equipment to take long exposures, he was able to record all of the moonbows he saw this summer.

Anyone attempting to do the same will need three key ingredients—nighttime, a bright moon, and rain.

“If it is daytime or near twilight, it's probably a regular sun rainbow,” Watson warns. “Second, the moon needs to be in the sky. Also, its phase needs to be full or nearly full to be bright enough to make the moonbow shine. And third, there needs to be rain. Snow won't do it.

Late spring, summer, and early autumn are the best seasons, but it could appear anytime there is a bright moon and rain. Usually, with rain comes clouds, so for a moonbow, there needs to be a clear patch for the moon to shine through. Finally, the angle of the moon. Moonbows happen when the moon is close to the horizon (within 45 degrees), not when the moon is directly overhead.”

Armed with that knowledge, Watson hopes that people will become more aware of moonbows and try their hand at spotting one for themselves. For now, scroll down to see more of the spectacular double moonbow, as well as the single moonbow Watson photographed in July.

Photographer Aaron Watson photographed a rare double moonbow in mid-August.

The August double moonbow started as a single moonbow.

Moonbows occur when moonlight is refracted through water droplets in the air and are much rarer than rainbows.

July 2024 moonbow

July 2024 moonbow

Skies-Alive Photography: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Skies-Alive Photography.

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Landscape photographer Jan Erik Waider is known for his striking imagery of Iceland, Greenland, and Norway. Through his lens, we experience the abstract beauty of the environment, from the winding patterns of glacial rivers to the intensity of flowing lava. Now, he's allowing everyone to get an even deeper perspective on the landscape through gorgeous 4K videos published on his new YouTube channel.

The drone footage is hypnotic, whether it shows the gently lapping waves of coastal waters or an icy river rushing past glacial chunks. These moving landscapes are a fascinating way to enjoy everything Iceland offers. Waider has published an even wider selection of his videos directly to his website for your viewing enjoyment.

So, if you love landscape photography and are looking for a way to unwind, why not sit back and explore these northern landscapes? In the coming weeks, Waider will be uploading even more content to his YouTube channel, so be sure to check back frequently to see what's new.

Landscape photographer Jan Erik Waider is known for his abstract aerial imagery of Iceland, Greenland, and Norway.

He's also started publishing incredible 4K videos of these northern landscapes.

From fiery lava to soothing waves, there's so much to view and enjoy.

Jan Erik Waider: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature videos by Jan Erik Waider.

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Photographer Jan Erik Waider is known for his exploration of Iceland's magnificent landscape. From incredible icebergs to mysterious waterways, Waider brings out the best of his subjects. In his newest exploration of Iceland, he only builds on his experience to produce a fresh look at the country's glacial rivers.

According to Waider, Iceland's winding waterways are called “braided river systems” due to the intricate patterns that they produce. The photographer's Glacier River Blues is a look at the abstract patterns created by these waterways. At first glance, it's not immediately clear what we're looking at. The rivers almost appear as inky markings along a canvas. But as we learn more about Iceland's rivers, their pathways become clear.

“Most rivers have their source at one of the numerous glaciers and flow towards the sea,” Waider tells My Modern Met. “Along the way, they transport vital nutrients for the ecosystem in the form of sediment. As the flow of the rivers declines, the sediment is deposited within the riverbed, temporarily leaving small islands of sand which cause the river channels to further divide and branch.”

Waider has been exploring these fascinating rivers using drones and small planes for several years. His expertise in seeking out compositions in abstract shapes is evident. The combination of the hypnotic forms and the rivers' cool colors produces a tranquil atmosphere that is part of what inspires the photographer. “I find their ephemeral and dynamic nature very captivating and inspiring, and I am always fascinated by how different the rivers look,” he admits. “Sometimes, even the same river a few kilometers downstream.”

While the images are calming, there is a lot of hard work that goes into producing them. Though Waider used to use fate to guide him, he's now moved to looking at satellite imagery to scout locations. Once he finds something interesting, the challenge is making his way there, as many locations are quite remote. He often needs to go off-road or even fly a small plane to get what he's after. But judging from the results, all of the effort is well worth it.

Shortly, Waider will be spreading his wings and traveling to Alaska for the first time, where he's looking forward to viewing a new glacial landscape. Follow his adventures on Instagram, and scroll down to see more aerial views of Iceland's rivers.

Photographer Jan Erik Waider is fascinated by Iceland's landscape.

He often takes aerial photos that follow the abstract shapes produced by Iceland's glacier rivers.

“I find their ephemeral and dynamic nature very captivating and inspiring.”

Jan Erik Waider: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Behance

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Jan Erik Waider.

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“Fifi and Faustino” by Jane Goodall. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

On April 3, renowned primatologist Jane Goodall turned 90 years old. Dr. Goodall has inspired generations of people who are passionate about wildlife conservation and our planet. From her groundbreaking studies of chimpanzees to her philanthropic work and activism related to animals, Dr. Goodall is a force of nature.

To celebrate her birthday and her place as a woman-inspired change, the female-led non-profit Vital Impacts is holding a special photography sale—The Nature of Hope: 90 Women Photographers for Jane Goodall. For the next three months, Vital Impacts is selling fine-art photography from female photographers inspired by Dr. Goodall's legacy. According to the organization, “60% of proceeds will directly support the Jane Goodall Institute's global efforts, continuing Dr. Goodall's mission of science-based conservation and youth empowerment within communities worldwide.” The remaining proceeds will go directly toward the artists.

Among the 90 prints available are photographs by Dr. Goodall herself. Two of the images focus on the familial relationships of chimpanzees and speak to her ability to make these primates feel comfortable with her presence. The other is a stunning self-portrait taken around 1962, early in research at Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park. Viewed now, it's a beautiful documentation of a young woman diving into her professional passion and getting ready to take on the world.

But Dr. Goodall's photographs aren't the only spectacular images available. This incredible collection of conservation and landscape photography is a feast for the eyes, with work by well-known names such as Cristina Mittermeier, Ami Vitale, Beth Moon, and Karine Aigner.

So, if you are looking for a piece of art to add to your collection and want to know that doing so will also help the environment, the sale—which runs until July 2—is worth a look.

Non-profit Vital Impacts is holding a special sale to celebrate the 90th birthday of renowned primatologist and conservation activist Dr. Jane Goodall.

“Jou Jou and Dr. Jane Goodall, Brazzaville Zoo, Republic of Congo, 1990” by Michael “Nick” Nichols. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

The photography sale will benefit the Jane Goodall Institute and include images from Dr. Goodall herself.

“Self Portrait” by Jane Goodall. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

Inspired by Dr. Goodall's legacy, the female photographers featured in the sale are incredible talents.

“Giraffes” by Marina Cano. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“The Hug” by Daisy Gilardini. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Back to the Wild” by Ami Vitale. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Submergence” by Michaela Skovranova. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

The sale will run until July 2, 2024, so don't wait long to shop.

“King of the Arctic” by Melissa Schäfer. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“The Big Buzz Bee Ball” by Karine Aigner. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“The Feast” by Cristina Mittermeier. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Barn Owl X” by Beth Moon. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Love at South Georgia” by Malin Hanning. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Balance” by Sapna Reddy. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Snow Geese” by Melissa Groo. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Caribou at Anaktuvuk Pass” by Katie Orlinsky. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Princess of Tundra” by Evgenia Arbugaeva. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Brenda and Her Mother” by Luisa Dörr. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Dusk Bloom” by Tamara Dean. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Aerial Battle” by Kathryn Cooper. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

“Heinabergsjökull Glacier” by Deanne Fitzmaurice. Courtesy of Vital Impacts.

Vital Impacts: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Vital Impacts.

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READ: Jane Goodall’s 90th Birthday Is Celebrated With 90 Photos by 90 Female Photographers

Winner, International Landscape Photograph of the Year. Blake Randall (Canada)

Australian photographer Tony Hewitt and Canadian photographer Blake Randall won the top prizes at the 2023 International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest. Hewitt was named Landscape Photographer of the Year for his impressive portfolio, while Blake's single image of birch trees casting a reflection in the water was deemed the most impressive photo of the entire competition.

There were over 4,000 entries to the contest, which is now in its 10th year. In addition to the main prizes, the competition also hands out special awards that change each year. In 2023, awards for the best Aerial, Seascape, Black and White, Desert, and Ice & Snow photos were also handed out. Many different facets of the natural landscape were highlighted through these categories, and these international photographers saw their creative talents rewarded, whether they spent time in the forest or bundled up on an iceberg.

An esteemed panel of judges, which included 2022 Landscape Photographer of the Year Benjamin Briones Grandi, had the difficult task of sorting through the imagery. Aside from awarding the top three portfolios, single images, and deciding the special prizes, they also selected the top 200 landscape images overall.

Check out all of the winners and some of our favorite finalists. If you like what you see, pick up a copy of the 2023 competition book, which has all of the winners and top 101 images.

Here are the winners of the 2023 International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest.

Winner, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Tony Hewitt (Australia)

Winner, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Tony Hewitt (Australia)

3rd Place, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Matt Meisenheimer (United States)

Runner-Up, International Landscape Photograph of the Year. Peter Meyer (Australia)

3rd Place, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Matt Meisenheimer (United States)

Runner-Up, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Andrew Mielzynski (Canada)

3rd Place, International Landscape Photograph of the Year. Isabella Tabacchi (Italy)

Runner-Up, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Andrew Mielzynski (Canada)

In addition to a portfolio and single image awards, prizes were also given out for several special categories.

Winner, Black and White. Jim Guerard (United States)

Winner, Snow & Ice. Thomas Vijayan (Canada)

Winner, Desert. John Seager (United Kingdom)

Winner, Aerial. Casey McCallister (United States)

Winner, Seascapes. Ciaran Willmore (Ireland)

The winners, as well as the top 101 photos overall, will see their work published in the contest's annual photo book.

Top 100 Photo. Carolyn Cheng (Canada)

Top 100 Photo. Froydis Dalheim (Norway)

Top 100 Photo. Shirley Wung (Taiwan)

Top 100 Photo. Marcin Zajac (Poland)

Top 100 Photo. Peter Adam Hoszang (Hungary)

Top 100 Photo. Kévin Pagès (Iceland)

Top 100 Photo. Hans Gunnar Aslaksen (Norway)

International Landscape Photographer of the Year: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by ILPOTY.

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READ: Winners of the 2023 International Landscape Photographer of the Year Contest

“Watery Shapes” by Phillip Glombik. First Place.

Photos of sweeping scenic landscapes from all corners of the earth were entered into The Independent Photographer‘s Landscape Photography Awards and the winners of the November 2023 contest have just been announced. Judged by renowned National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson, the winners and finalists are a beautiful look at the natural world.

Photographer Phillip Glombik took home the top prize for his evocative aerial photo of a river in Iceland. Taken with a drone at the end of the Ölfus River, the image has a calm, hypnotic composition that won over Richardson. 

“This was the image that always pulled me back, always invited me to get lost in wonder,” says Richardson, who is the co-founder of the educational collaborative Eyes On Earth. “I know what it is: river sediments in Iceland. But in places, it echoes the forces of creation we see in space telescope images of galactic nebula where stars are born. In other places, it echoes the desert dunes, or perhaps arctic blizzard drifts. The patterns are primordial. But what struck me most is how this image was elevated over similar images by the pattern or ripples that lay over the whole image like a veil. Just wonderful.”

The celebrated photographer also appreciated Ed Smith's look at a cloud inversion sweeping across the Scottish Highlands, which came in second place. He was particularly drawn to the mystery of the image and the way it bucks the traditional manner in which landscapes are often portrayed.

See more of the powerful winners and finalists below in this contest that honors one of photography's oldest and most beloved genres. And then stay tuned to see who will win December's monthly contest, which is currently taking submissions and is centered around the theme People.

Here are the winners of The Independent Photographer Landscape Photography Awards.

“Fringes of Abernethy” by Ed Smith. Second Place.

“Morning Freeze” by Remi Bergougnoux. Third Place.

“Mystical Driftwood Drift” by Jacqueline Anders. Finalist.

“Misty-rious Hill” by Ian Asprey. Finalist.

“Offshore” by Michael Jurek. Finalist.

“Frozen Migration” by Nicolas Castermans. Finalist.

“Into the Mist” by Brandon Yoshizawa. Finalist.

“Inversion” by Kyle Barden. Finalist.

“Untitled” by William Holderfield. Finalist.

The Independent Photographer: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by The Independent Photographer.

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“Untitled” by Blake Randall. Photographer of the Year, Winner.

In a time when the public is increasingly skeptical about the veracity of what they see online, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards is a breath of fresh air. Thanks to a stringent set of requirements, you can rest assured that, in the case of this exceptional landscape photography, what you see is what you get.

Entrants are not allowed to add, remove, or distort significant elements from their images. They also can't combine images taken at different focal lengths or during different times of day. In order to verify the accuracy of the images, judges require that each photographer also submit their RAW files.

Even though the competition is only in its third year, it still received 11,176 entries from professional and amateur landscape photographers in 54 different countries. And the winners clearly demonstrate that heavy editing is not necessary to produce breathtaking images. Canadian landscape and nature photographer Blake Randall was named Photographer of the Year for his exceptional portfolio of work. From snowy rolling hills to detailed photos of the icy environment, Randall's photos rose to the top of the field.

“Since its inception, the NLPA awards have set the gold standard for landscape photography—preserving the authentic experience of capturing our planet’s unaltered natural beauty in contrast to the growing popularity of AI and computer-generated imagery,” Randall shared. “The images presented in the competition reflect the kind of photography I aspire to achieve, making this award extra special and something I will be proud of for the rest of my life.”

Proving that you don't need to be a professional photographer to win an award, Gabriel Stankiewicz‘s image of snow-hugged trees in Norway was named Photograph of the Year. Stankiewicz is a doctoral researcher in computational mechanics by day, and he came across the scene while snowshoeing in Norway.

While winter appears to dominate the top awards, there's also plenty of greenery to be seen across the contest's 10 categories. From stunning star trails to lush moss-covered forests, the winners showed off a wide range of landscapes. The winners shared in a prize pool that included $13,000 in cash prizes, as well as FLM tripods. Scroll down to see more winners and get inspired to know that AI has nothing on these talented photographers.

The 2023 Natural Landscape Photography Awards announced their winners.

“Untitled” by Tiago Mateus. Project of the Year, Winner.

“A storm in crayon” by Björn Nehrhoff von Holderberg. Grand Scenic, Winner.

“Lake Frome / Munda, South Australia” by Peter Eastway. Aerial, Winner.

“Gogh With The Flow” by Matt Redfern. Abstract and Details, Runner Up.

“Untitled” by Blake Randall. Photographer of the Year, Winner.

The contest has strict rules about photo manipulation and retouching in order to ensure the integrity of the contest.

“Arctic Tenacity” by Gabriel Stankiewicz. Photograph of the Year, Winner.

“Untitled” by Benjamin Maze. Photographer of the Year, Runner Up.

“Untitled” by Xavier Lequarre. Grand Scenic, Runner Up.

“Eyeing the stars” by Prajit Ravindran. Night, Runner Up.

“Disturbed” by Peter Coskun. Black and White, Runner Up.

All finalists were required to submit their RAW files so that the judging panel could guarantee the authenticity of the entries.

“Ice calligraphy” by Pål Hermansen. Aerial,Runner Up.

“Little Leaves” by Mieke Boynton. Common Places,Runner Up.

“Empty” by Jay Tayag. Environmental,Runner Up.

“Tempest – Crawford Notch NH” by Harry Lichtman. Black and White, Winner.

“Early Morning at Piemans Falls” by James Hider. Water, Winner.

Over 11,000 images from photographers in 54 countries were entered into the competition.

“Winter Story” by Takahashi Hiroto. Intimate Landscape, Winner.

“Lightpainting” by Barbara Seiberl-Stark. Water,Runner Up.

“Solstice Marker & Star Trails” by David Hunter. Night, Winner.

“Ephemeral distortion” by Alexandre Deschaumes. Mountains, Winner.

“Winter Light – Mt Geryon – Du Cane Range” by Grant Dixon. Mountains,Runner Up.

“Untitled” by Eric Bennett. Abstract and Details, Winner.

“A little piece of autumn” by César Llaneza. Intimate Landscape, Runner Up.

“Once Upon a Time” by Matt Redfern. Common Places, Winner.

“Fuse” by Martin Bürner. Environmental, Winner.

Natural Landscape Photography Awards: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Natural Landscape Photography Awards.

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Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

When Australian landscape photographer Craig McGowan made a trip to the United States this autumn, he'd hoped to visit Death Valley. So, he was disheartened to learn that the National Park had been closed to the public in August following the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary—which had flooded the dessert valley and caused widespread destruction. However, to McGowan's surprise, with just a week left in his trip, the park opened its gates once again.

This allowed McGowan to make the journey to California's Death Valley and photograph it in exceedingly rare conditions, as the effects of the large rainfall were still visible. Not only were there large pools of water in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, but the Badwater Basin was filled with a temporary lake.

The weather conditions took McGowan by surprise, as he assumed that he would be wandering into a hot and dry landscape. But, he knew from experience that you can never be too sure what nature has in store for you. “I was surprised how green and how much vegetation there was in Death Valley,” he tells My Modern Met. “Significantly, of course, the unusual amounts of water sitting in the sand dunes and the flooded Badwater Basin made the visit somewhat unique.”

All told, McGowan took over a thousand photos of the scenic landscape. The images show the unique conditions while also focusing on the remote nature of the location. More than a million people visit the park annually. However, McGowan's fresh take on the scenery allows us to focus on its beauty without distraction. And, thanks to the timing of his visit, his images also serve as important documentation of the aftermath of a storm.

Australian landscape photographer Craig McGowan recently ventured to California's Death Valley National Park.

Self-Portrait

Road into Death Valley

The park had been closed since August when Tropical Storm Hilary caused extensive damage and flooding.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Badwater Basin

Afternoon Death Valley Storm

Some of the rainfall remains, creating bodies of water where it is usually dry.

Badwater Basin

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Craig McGowan: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Craig McGowan.

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Set against the backdrop of a dusted pink sky, the icebergs almost glowed with an eerie luminescence. Glacial structures like these form and break away from Antarctica's sprawling ice shelf, drifting out from their fortresses into the water like sentinels scouting the open ocean. In the pastel shimmer of dusk, the world seemed perfectly still. But I knew deep beneath these icy giants was a symphony of frozen crystals forming and shattering; the silent call of the polar South.

Conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier has dedicated her career to the protection of the natural world. Specifically, she is passionate about the state of our world's oceans, and through SeaLegacy, a non-profit she founded with her partner Paul Nicklen, she helps shine a spotlight on environmental issues through visual storytelling.

In a recent Facebook Story, Mittermeier called on world leaders to step up to the plight that Antarctica is facing. This fragile ecosystem is at a critical point due to numerous factors that include climate change, overfishing, and deep-sea mining.  Tackling the issue head-on, Mittermeier uses her creative skills as a photographer to remind the public of what is at stake.

We had a chance to speak with Mittermeier on the heels of the annual CCAMLR (Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) to discuss the victories and challenges that the area faces. Read on for My Modern Met's exclusive interview and prepare to get inspired to effect change.

The evening sun catches the misty haze lingering over the glassy, icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. A humpback whale graces us ever so briefly with her presence before diving deep back under the dark sea.

What have been the biggest successes and challenges for ocean conservation in 2023?

There have been a number of wins so far this year, including the fact that many countries, including Canada and the UK, have placed a moratorium on Deep Sea Mining. Just like the wholesale liquidation of natural resources of land has had devastating effects on biodiversity and climate, the pursuit of mining assets at the bottom of the sea is a shortsighted, colonial proposal that will result in the further devastation of our oceans and our planet.

Knowing that countries are taking a serious look at understanding the ecology of the deep sea before any consideration is given to a mining proposal is a great step in the right direction.

Crabeater seal

We see a lot of imagery about Antarctica and the melting glaciers, rising water tables, etcetera. What are the biggest changes you've seen there in your latest trip?

The changes that are easy to see are the dislodging of enormous blocks of ice from the continental shelf. These icebergs will eventually melt completely and add a large amount of freshwater to the ocean ecosystem, which will contribute to changing currents and rising sea levels. In addition, the weather patterns have changed from ice and snow to rain, which makes the survival of young animals, like baby penguins, much harder.

The international body in charge of creating additional protections for the Southern Ocean, known as CCAMLR (Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), has met several years in a row, and they have failed to develop an agreement to protect this fragile ecosystem, which is a real tragedy.

Nature is the greatest architect. This is just one the many examples of the stunning configurations of ice and water to be found across the southern continents' oceans. As the ocean heats up we risk losing these beautiful and critical creations of nature.

It's still sometimes difficult for individuals to see how they can effect change to reverse the climate trend. What do you recommend to those people who feel like they can't make a difference on their own?

Nobody is making a difference on their own. It is important to understand that for every naysayer, there are 1,000 people making strides to have a positive impact. From reducing the amount of meat we consume to traveling less to becoming less materialistic, shifting to greener energy, and being more invested in reducing waste, the collective effect is massive. We all need to do more, and we all need to donate more to environmental efforts. Environment and climate remain the most underfunded causes in the United States.

A Snow Petrel (Pagodroma nivea)glides through the snowy skies of the Drygalski Fjord in Antarctica. These graceful birds rely on the sea ice for hunting and rest while on the open sea.

CCAMLR 2023 just wrapped up. What are your biggest takeaways from what happened there?

I am baffled that a country like Russia, which is in the middle of an illegal war, would be allowed to have a voice in the decision to not protect the Southern Ocean. Still, in the end, conservation happens by consensus, and even though every other member country of CCAMLR elected to enact protections, the single voice of a rogue Russia negated the effort. Tragic, really.

What's on your list creatively and as an activist for the new year?

I am working on my first Masters of Photography course, and I have been busy creating new work and editing old work for both that course and my upcoming exhibition at Galleria D'Italia.

Cristina Mittermeier: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Cristina Mittermeier.

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Mik Dogherty, Landscape Photographer of the Year and Winner, Change in the Landscape

Photographer Mik Dogherty was named UK Landscape Photographer of the Year for his haunting photo, After the Fire, which was taken in the New Forest National Park. The photo freezes a dramatic moment in time, as Dogherty notes that regeneration has already begun, and these burnt remnants are no longer visible.

“For many, there has been a series of deeply rooted multidimensional emotional responses to this winning LPOTY 2023 photograph, all of which may be triggered by thoughts of ‘otherworldly’ to ‘dawn of time’ or perhaps the frightening counter-response of ‘the end of time,’ ” shares awards founder Charlie Waite. “The tangled and stark reminder of what was once a beautiful and intimate wood perhaps brings forth a feeling of ‘profound environmental alarm’ and numerous other responses.

“We will all know, of course, that a still image has the potential to have a very considerable and powerful effect on our emotional interpretation of it, and perhaps over and above all of the thoughts discussed, there remains one overwhelming response, which is the sheer striking beauty of this photograph which transports us to a place of transcendent emotional experience.”

In the youth category, Aaron Northwood won the overall prize. He captured the winning photo, The Wishing Tree, which shows a lone tree in the snow, by placing his camera in the pillowy powder. Its simple, balanced composition helped it rise to the top, to the delight of Northwood. “The whole experience was totally unexpected and overwhelming,” he confesses. “It has given me new inspiration and confidence to take forward with my photography.”

Now in its 15th year, the UK Landscape Photographer of the Year is an incredible showcase for Britain's natural environment. Open to photographers around the globe, all of the entries have been taken in the UK at some point in the past five years. All of the winners will see their work included in the Landscape Photographer of the Year book, as well as a traveling exhibition that makes its way across the country.

Scroll down to see all the category winners and enjoy the majestic landscapes of the United Kingdom.

Iain Masterton, Winner, Bird's Eye View

Julien Delaval, Winner, Classic View

Aaron Northwood, Youth Landscape Photographer of the Year and Youth Winner, Classic View

David Da Costa, Youth Winner, Coastal View

Alexander Swyer, Winner, My Railway Journey

Will Wrench, Youth Winner, Intimate View and Runner-up, Youth Landscape Photographer of the Year

Nick Green, Winner, Black & White

Daniel Ruffles, Winner, Coastal View

Andrew Smith, Winner, Cityscapes

Isaac Savage, Youth Winner, Cityscapes

Daniel Ward, Winner, Intimate View

Stuart McGlennon, Runner-Up, Landscape Photographer of the Year

Terri Gibbins, Winner, Expressions & Impressions of the Landscape

UK Landscape Photographer of the Year: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the UK Landscape Photographer of the Year.

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READ: Stunning Winners of the UK Landscape Photographer of the Year Contest