A national park’s annual photography competition has opened and entrants are in with a chance of winning £250.

The South Downs National Park is launching its annual photo competition and this year’s theme is A New Perspective.

The landscapes of the parks include rolling chalk hills, river valleys, forests, grassland and heaths.

Alongside pretty towns and villages with rich cultural heritage, there is plenty for people to photograph.

People of all levels and abilities are challenged to capture a stunning view that shows off the magical beauty of the South Downs from their perspective.

Judges say they are keen to see viewpoints that are out of the ordinary and show off the South Downs in a way people may not have seen before.

First place prize is £250, with a runner-up prize of £100 and third prize of £50.

The national park’s photo competition also includes a wildlife category, with a top prize of £75 for a stunning shot of one or many of the beautiful creatures inhabiting the South Downs.

The mobile phone category returns this year, with £75 up for grabs for the winning phone picture of the national park, covering either a new perspective or wildlife.

MOST READ:

Returning to judge the competition are award-winning professional photographers Rachael Talibart, Finn Hopson and Carlotta Luke, as well as Claire Blow, deputy editor of Outdoor Photography magazine.

“We are lucky to have a wonderful variety of different landscapes in the South Downs, offering so much great potential for photography. I’m delighted to be on the judging panel for this year’s competition and can’t wait to see some fresh and creative views,” said judge Claire Blow.

The youth competition also returns this year for budding young photographers – with categories 10 years and under and 11 to 17.

The prize for 10 years and under will be a family ticket to Birdworld, while the winner of the 11 to 17 category will win a family ticket to Marwell Wildlife.

“I grew up in Sussex and the area that is now the South Downs National Park feels like home to me,” said Rachael Talibart.

“It’s also my favourite place to make photos. The national park is full of variety, from spectacular vistas to quiet, overlooked details and, of course, some wonderful wildlife. I’m looking forward, as always, to seeing everyone’s entries and, in particular, I’m hoping to find a few surprises.”

Carlotta Luke, from Lewes, added: “This year’s theme for the South Downs photo competition is a really great one. Our beautiful national park means many different things to the people who love and use it.

"Show us your perspective on why you treasure the park – or a view or detail that you think is unusual and gives us a new way of looking at our South Downs. I can’t wait to see what we get sent.”

  • Entries close at midnight on Tuesday, October 31.
  • You can submit your entry at: www.southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/photo-comp-2023/