The competition attracts up to 1,500 entries and is now in its 14th year. It is hosted by the charity, the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA).
The three judges were unanimous in their decision that ‘Falling Fog’ from Neil Barnes should pick up the top prize.
Falling Fog, East Cliff at West Bay, Dorset – Photo provided by the South West Coast Path Association, Photographer: Neil Barnes (Image: Photo provided by the South West Coast Path Association, Photographer: Neil Barnes)
One of the judges, Jessica Lennan, lecturer in photography at Plymouth University, said of the image: “At first glance, the scene appears serene and almost timeless, but look a little closer, and the signs of a recent landslide reveal the coastline’s underlying fragility.
“It’s a quiet image that invites both admiration and reflection, showing the coast as a place of delicate balance and constant transformation.”
Neil, who has been taking pictures for nearly 50 years, added: “It was a particularly foggy morning as I walked with my dog Betsy to the end of the pier at West Bay.
“I could see how the fog and mist were steadily moving from the land at the top of the cliffs and spilling over down towards the beach, an incredible sight to see.
“As I approach my fiftieth year as a photographer, very occasionally, I get that feeling of amazement and excitement when I see something special, and this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was absolutely thrilled to be able to capture it.”
This year, the competition expanded to include seven categories, plus a ‘SWCP team pick’.
Other winners were Emma Eccles in the nature category, Marlena Ciach, in the climate change category, Keith Mason , in the People and Path category, Archie Raistrick , in the Wildlife category, George Cryer, in the Sky Shot category, Shaun Davey, in the Urban Lines category. The young photographer of the year prize was awarded to 17- year-old Arthur Allan, for his image “Rubbing Shoulders on Gwennap Head, West Cornwall”.
The SWCP team pick was given to Charisse Wold for her photograph “Golden Hour Magic,” taken in south Devon.
All the winning images can be viewed at South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition in the summer.