The 16 spectacular photos shortlisted for the 2023 Northern Photography Prize
The prize commends photos which "capture the essence of the North East of England"
These are the 16 landscape and portrait photographs which have been deemed to capture the essence of the North East of England.
The Northern Photography Prize is open to amateur photographers in two categories, aiming to record the unique beauty of the region with landscape (spirit of the North East) and portrait (heart of the North East). The 16 shortlisted images will be showcased in a free-to-enter exhibition at Newcastle art gallery the Biscuit Factory from September 16 until October 15, with the winning entries announced on the first day of the exhibition.
The prize was founded by Northumberland author LJ Ross and sponsored by her publishing imprint Dark Skies Publishing and winners in each category will receive a £1,000 cash prize. This year's entries include nights skies above Northumberland, well-known landmarks in adverse weather, and the region's people in a whole manner of situations.
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LJ Ross, who launched the Northern Photography Prize in 2020, said: "This year we were overwhelmed by both the quantity and quality of entries – so much so that we took the decision to double the size of the shortlist. I can’t wait to see these fantastic images on display at the Northern Photography Prize exhibition this September and sitting down with the judges for that unenviable task of choosing this year’s winners!”
Alan Rees, Ryton - Counting Sheep
“This photo was taken on an August bank holiday weekend stay in Weardale. I set off on an early morning cycle ride in the dark and rode through White Kirkley to reach the top of Harehope Burn near the Elephant Trees as the sun was rising and the mist started to lift over the valley with only some inquisitive sheep for company.”
(Image: Alan Rees)1 of 16Dr Julie Smith, Henshaw - Dancing Trees
“My day job is tackling domestic abuse. Getting out with my camera to photograph our night skies and wildlife really helps me decompress. I live on the edge of the best dark skies national park in the country (Northumberland) and there’s nothing better than capturing its raw beauty as simply as possible. Being up on Hadrian’s Wall for night time photography is a tonic for the soul and offers some great nature foregrounds.”
(Image: Julie Smith)2 of 16Michael Wake, Sunderland - Fire and Ice
“I had tried several times to capture this composition of Penshaw Monument in County Durham, each time hoping for a sunset sky above. Sadly, luck was never on my side, resulting in a disappointed drive home every time. But on this occasion, I had a good feeling that, finally, I may get the shot. What I didn't expect was the dusting of snow that day had not melted away, which, combined with the sunset sky, just added to the image. That day luck was definitely on my side.”
(Image: Michael Wake)3 of 16Rachel Riley - Fog on the Tyne
![Rachel Riley - Fog on the Tyne]()
“This was the first time I’d ever witnessed just how fast the sea fret can roll in at Tynemouth. There were blue clear skies, sun shining and then all quickly masked by the fog. I loved the spooky feeling it created slowly creeping in over the lighthouse, sometimes hiding it altogether and working its way into the land.”
(Image: Rachel Riley)4 of 16
