Friday 12 Nov 2010

ROYAL ALBERT BRIDGE IMAGES SCOOP PRIZES IN NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Region & Route:
| Wales & Western: Western
| Wales & Western

Two stunning photographs of the Royal Albert Bridge have been awarded a runners up prize in the very first Network Rail 'Lines in the Landscape' special award at the Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2010.

The photographs, taken by Plymouth-based Colin Grace and Dan Santillo from Swansea, were shortlisted from nearly 500 entries as two of the best photographs of the national rail network by expert landscape photographer and competition organiser, Charlie Waite.

 
Photographer and competition organiser Charlie Waite explains what made Colin and Dan’s images so special: "There can be no question that the new award, 'Lines in the Landscape', which was introduced this year to celebrate our relationship with Network Rail, has hugely stimulated and inspired people to get out into the countryside and make photographs.

"The entries have been very varied, from urban stations to majestic viaducts, and the standard of the photography has been exceptionally high. Chris Howe's image is a very worthy winner but there are other images that richly deserve praise, of which both Colin and Dan’s are prime examples, and so we have decided that they should also enjoy recognition."


Robin Gisby, director of operations and customer service for Network Rail commented: "For over 150 years, the railway has helped connect people across the length and breadth of the country; it is a big part of British life. As the incredible photographs entered show, the railway helps create so many spectacular views of both our towns and cities and the countryside.

"Both Colin and Dan’s photos really capture the railway in a beautiful setting. We’ve been thrilled with the response to our special award for railway photography, and hope that this year’s entries have inspired others to pick up their camera and enjoy the amazing views

Britain has to offer."

The Take a view - Landscape Photography of the Year Awards are the idea of renowned landscape photographer, Charlie Waite. From deserted beaches, remote mountains and windswept trees to major cities and industrial works, the highlight the interaction between people and places that is so important for us all.

Colin and Dan will both receive a special print of their photograph.

Notes to editors

Photos
Please note that all images supplied by Network Rail on behalf of Take a view remain the copyright of their respective photographers. They may only be used for press/promotional purposes in direct connection with the Take a view - Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards and must be credited.

The attached file is sized to print at aprox A5 @ 300ppi.

2010 Results (with image location):
Photographs to the competition are entered into four main categories (both youth and adult). People can then additionally select to enter a Special Award.

Overall winner – Antony Spencer – Corfe Castle, Dorset

Winner – Classic view – Dudley Williams – Isle of Eigg, Scotland
Runner-up – Classic view – Marshall Pinsent – Romney Marsh, Kent

Winner – Living the view – Jon Brook – Lancashire/Yorkshire border
Runner-up – Living the view – Jonathan Lucas – London

Winner – Urban view – Darren Ciolli-Leach – Nottinghamshire
Runner-up – Urban view – David Stanton – Falkirk, Scotland

Winner – Your view – Paul Robinson – Derbyshire
Runner-up – Your view – Tom Fairclough – Liverpool

Network Rail ‘Lines in the Landscape’ Award – Chris Howe - Derbyshire

Natural England ‘Landscape on your doorstep’ Award – Slawek Staszczuk

South Downs Environment Films Ltd ‘Britain in our Hands’ Award – Chris Lewis -Shropshire

 

Youth class (16 and under)
Overall winner – Taliesin Coombes – Cardiff, Wales
Winner – Classic view – William Lee – Northumberland
Winner – Living the view – Taliesin Coombes – Ayrshire, Scotland
Winner – Urban view – Sam Cartwright – Lancashire
Winner – Your view – William Lee – Northumberland

 

Exhibition details:
Take a view – Landscape Photographer of the Year 2010 Exhibition - In association with Network Rail and Natural England. With over 100 beautiful landscape images printed on the Epson Stylus Pro 9900, using the latest Epson inkjet technology

Admission free
Dates: 22nd November 2010 – 16th January 2011 (Closed 15th December)
Times: Open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 11pm, all year round (except for Bank Holidays) and on a number of Sundays from noon to 6pm (check NT website for dates).
Venue: Lyttelton Foyer, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX 020 7452 3000

PRIVATE VIEW (by invitation only): Thursday, 25th November 2010 (6.00pm)

Seeing landscape - Awards founder, Charlie Waite, will be giving talks on his approach to landscape photography & tours of the exhibition on November 24th & 26th and December 6th & 7th. (Contact National Theatre box office or see NT website for times & ticket information http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/)

Contact information

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