The Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition, organized by Charlie Waite, has been won by AP reader Jon Gibbs. His photograph, Storm over Scroby Sands wind farm, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England beat thousands of other entries to the £10,000 prize. Norfolk-based Jon, 39, who works part-time at his local Morrissons supermarket, says he was ?shell-shocked? at being told he had won the competition. ?My kids were running around my feet when I was told the news over the phone,? he says. ?I couldn?t take it in.?
Jon has often photographed in the same location, but on this day the lighting conditions were extra special. ?There was a storm out to sea and I watched it moving around,? he remembers. Lightning struck during the 12-second exposure and provided the magical focal point for the picture. Jon says he won?t be spending the prize money just yet. ?That?s being put away for a rainy day,? he says. ?The main thing for me is the recognition of winning the competition and getting my name known.?
A host of other AP readers also tasted success this year with notable entries from David White, Pete Bridgwood and AP’s Features Editor, Bob Aylott, all getting a place in the exhibition.
The exhibition of the competition can be seen in the Foyer of the National Theatre, London, SE1 9PX until November 3. Visit www.timesonline.co.uk for a slide show of the images.
