I’m beyond thrilled to announce that my photograph, "Saturated Earth and Sky’s Promise", has won second place in the 2024 Chartered Young Weather Photographer of the Year Award! This recognition has been a dream come true, after coming highly commended this time last year in the Young Landscape Photographer Of The Year award I wanted to step up the challenge. This competition represents some of the most inspiring weather photography from young talents around the world with roughly 10,000 entrants every year. To have my work featured among such talent, and in the company of breathtaking nature and atmospheric shots, is truly an honor.
Above award winning image "Saturated Earth and Sky's Promise"
The Story Behind Saturated Earth and Sky’s Promise
The photograph was taken in the scenic Cuckmere Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes and unique, serpentine river that winds through the South Downs in East Sussex, England. It was captured through the lens of my DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone and comprises of 2 images stitched together to create a panoramic shot that showcases the blend between summer and autumn. It was one of those rare days where the weather seemed to tell its own story, and I was lucky enough to capture it. Positioned high above the valley, I was treated to a view that combined two seasons in a single frame, contrasting lush summer greens in the far left with autumn's warm and golden hues on the right with a striking rainbow that subtly emerged above the forest served as both a highlight and a symbol—nature’s promise, painted in the sky.
In that instant, with summer and autumn intertwined, it felt as though the land and sky were in conversation, each responding to the shifts of the season and weather. I wanted the photograph to convey that rare balance of change, the vibrant colors of earth soaking up the last of summer’s light while welcoming the golden richness of fall.
The Challenge and Inspiration
Weather photography is exhilarating because it’s so unpredictable. One moment can hold calm and beauty; the next, nature unleashes a storm. Capturing the interplay between these moods is what fascinates me, but it’s also a challenge—waiting for the right combination of light, weather, and timing can feel like waiting for a miracle. In this case, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Just as the valley began to glow in the late summer sun and my drone had taken off, a gentle rain moved in, creating the conditions for a rainbow that seemed to bridge summer and autumn.
I was inspired by the powerful yet fleeting nature of this scene. There’s something magical about standing in one place and being able to see two seasons—something both nostalgic and hopeful. I think that’s the beauty of weather photography; it reveals how dynamic and ephemeral nature can be and thats why the seasons play such a huge part in my work.
Reflections on the Award
Winning second place for Saturated Earth and Sky’s Promise in such a prestigious competition is both humbling and motivating. The Chartered Young Weather Photographer of the Year Award celebrates creativity, skill, and dedication in capturing our ever-changing atmosphere to help document the sometimes beautiful yet concerning changes in our climate. This recognition has not only reaffirmed my love for photography but has also inspired me to push further in capturing those unique moments where earth and sky collide to help more people appreciate our surroundings and spread awareness of climate change.
Below are a few words from the Royal Meteorological Society the hosts of this competition:
"The judging panel noted how the photograph seems to contain two seasons: summer on the left and autumn on the right. The beauty of the sky contrasted with the flooding on the ground is a reminder of both the wonder and misery the sky can bring."
"Sea levels are predicted to rise along the Sussex coastline, potentially by over 1 m by the end of this century. And as the Cuckmere River flows into the English Channel, those sea-level rises increase the likelihood of flooding in the Cuckmere Valley. The flood risk increases further thanks to changing river management techniques over the course of several centuries which have led to a build-up of shingle at the river mouth. There are fears that flooding could become the norm even sooner, as a Coastal Risk Screening Tool by Climate Central suggests that the annual flood level will cover most of the Cuckmere Valley by 2030."
What’s Next?
This experience has further expanded my passion for exploring and capturing the beauty of nature. I’m looking forward to experimenting with new perspectives, chasing weather phenomena, and sharing more of my work. I believe each photograph has the potential to bring viewers closer to the awe and wonder of our natural world, and I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next. Who knows what competition I might enter next year.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Here’s to many more adventures, with camera in hand and eyes wide open to the wonders of weather and landscape.
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