[Photo credit: Ollie Taylor]
Ollie Taylor, a landscape photographer from Dorset, beat more than 21,000 entries worldwide to win the Velux ‘Lovers of Light’ competition.
On hearing of his win, Ollie explained that his winning shot of Durdle Door – a top location for many UK photo enthusiasts – was a personal milestone.
‘I‘ve been photographing Durdle Door for years in search of the prefect photo,’ he said.
‘When I took this winter shot I’d worked out exactly where the sun would be positioned at that time of day, and used a lens I knew produced excellent sun stars with the right settings and conditions.
‘Finally, I was able to achieve the image I had painted in my mind’s eye.’
Joe Tree, one of the judges, said: ‘What Ollie has achieved with the composition, timing and light… is nothing short of spectacular…
‘It’s not just Ollie’s technical ability that wowed judges. He’s managed to create a scene so vibrant and beautiful you want to walk right into it and watch the sun setting.’
Ollie added: ‘It is such an honour for my photo to be chosen from so many incredible entries.
‘The prize is pretty amazing. I can’t wait to explore such a fascinating part of the world and experience the unique light you get so far north.
‘It goes without saying that I’ll be taking my camera.’
Two other UK photographers, Ford Buchanan and Graham Colling, won ‘honourable mentions’.
Ollie’s trip to Finland will include a night in an igloo under the midnight sun, and a stay in a log cabin.
