A PHOTOGRAPHER’S dramatic image taken during a violent storm has earned him a place in a photography competition’s final.
Christopher Ison, from Midhurst, made this year’s shortlist for the annual Royal Meteorological Society’s Weather Photographer of the Year with his picture of a Newhaven lighthouse being battered by waves during Storm Eunice in February 2022.
When Mr Ison saw the Storm Eunice coming he was determined to record the event, despite it carrying a rare red weather warning.
"When the storm was predicted and that it was carrying the first ever red warning for the south coast, I knew I had to find a spot to record it–this was going to be big,” he said.
“I checked the time it was due to strike and the high tides and discovered that it would hit Newhaven at almost exactly high tide.
“I got there reasonably early to find many photographers already drenched in rain and sea water, standing very close to the harbour wall.
“I decided to head to high ground and slightly further away with my back to the weather. I was rewarded with a set of images that I’m very proud of.”
The 50-year-old is up against entries from across the world, with images depicting dramatic storms, frozen and frosty vistas, spectacular sunsets, the impacts of climate change and curious weather phenomena.
People can vote for their favourite picture from today until midnight on September 21.
And the winners of the competition, held in association with forecasters AccuWeather, will be announced on October 6.
Professor Liz Bentley, chief executive of the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS), said: “It is a great privilege to serve on the Weather Photographer of the Year judging panel, and I’m delighted that each year we attract new judges with fresh perspectives on the photos we receive.
"However, I am always amazed by something new, something I haven’t seen before, or a new angle that reignites my passion for discussing the weather.
“As the competition has grown over the past seven years, it has allowed us to create a platform where more stories can be told about the majesty and awe of the world’s weather and witness scenes of the impacts of climate change, which can help to prompt action.”
Contest judge and retired AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams said: “The Royal Meteorological Society’s annual Weather Photographer of the Year contest always attracts the very best and most creative amateur weather photographers, and this year was no exception.
“Together, the entrants illustrated their keen eye and passion for weather and provided us with a greater window into this most fascinating, stirring and ever-changing phenomenon. Congratulations to the shortlisted winners and everyone who celebrated the awe of weather simply by participating.”
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