Alex Walton Photography scoops South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2023 - Urban Lines award
I have always shied away from entering photography competitions. When I was first starting out as a photographer it was for fear of rejection and not being good enough, but now it has more to do with being a tad cynical! ‘What chance have I got of winning when so many thousands of other amazing images are entered?’ is usually the internal monologue I hear.
That being said, I have always been tempted to enter the prestigious South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year competition as the criterion aligns perfectly with my deep interest in landscape and coastal photography.
In January this year, I decided to bite the bullet and entered the SWCP POTY competition for the first time.
It was actually the first photography competition I've ever entered - and I very nearly missed my chance!
I made the mistake of waiting until the last hour before the deadline to submit my photo. Unfortunately, so had many others and the website was overwhelmed by last-minute submissions. I was gutted and cursed myself for leaving it so late. However, to my delight, the deadline was extended due to the website jam and I was able to submit my entry the next day!
To my astoundment, in March I received the amazing news that I had won the Urban Lines category with my image, Trail Lights of Sidmouth.
“This photo demonstrates a clever use of lines in its composition. The street winding alongside the beach serves as a prominent leading line, accentuated by the light trails of passing cars as well as the dotted streetlights. Captured during twilight, the image reveals further details of the surrounding buildings and sea for us to explore. Despite being mostly man-made in an urban setting, the lines in the photo retain an organic quality, which we particularly liked.”
Jessica Lennan, Lecturer in Photography at the University of Plymouth, SWCP POTY 2023 Judge
Aside from the honour of having been chosen as a winner from more than 1,500 entries, my photo joined the other winning shots in July for a month-long exhibition at Paddington Station. It really is a tremendous feeling to know that thousands of commuters have seen my picture of Sidmouth and, hopefully, feel inspired to visit the East Devon coastal town.
Congratulations has to go to the overall winner, James Loveridge, and all of the other category winners
This competition win has put a feather in my cap and fire in my belly to continue photographing and entering competitions.
Checkout this news article by South West Coast Path to see all of the other category winners.
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