Photographers across the county showcased the diversity of Essex’s wildlife and wild places in Essex Wildlife Trust’s annual photography competition, which received almost 1,000 entries.

The competition opened in September 2022 and was the first year for new category ‘Coastal Captures’. By introducing the category, the Trust hoped to celebrate the marine and coastal habitats along the 350-mile-long coastline in Essex. 

After deliberation from a panel of judges, including Chief Executive Andrew Impey, and East Anglian wildlife photographer Alfie Bowen, the six category winners were chosen. Since December, the public has been voting for their favourite to be crowned the overall winner.

The competition received a record-breaking number of public votes.

The Trust is pleased to announce that Stephen Johnson’s ‘Barge Wreck Sunrise’, from the category Coastal Captures, has won the competition. 

Talking of capturing the winning image, Stephen Johnson said:

‘Barge Wreck Sunrise’ is one of my favourite images in my portfolio. It was taken in my home town of Brightlingsea, on the Essex coastline. The photograph was the result of three early morning visits to the same location with the hopes to capture some incredible light…something every landscape photographer wishes for. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long until the sun rose above the horizon in which the light rapidly painted the sky in a rich purple hue. I certainly did get some good light.”

Jamie Watt, Marketing Manager, said:

“Thank you to everyone that participated in our competition. We are always astounded by the standard of the photographs we receive and are thrilled that our new category addition has taken the crown. We wanted our coastal habitats to be recognised for their contribution to wildlife, and look forward to seeing more marine life being celebrated in this year’s competition.”

Essex Wildlife Trust’s 2023 Photography Competition will open for entries in September.

Karen Howard, Centre Manager at High Chelmer Shopping Centre, said:

“High Chelmer are delighted to support Essex Wildlife Trust’s photography competition and showcase this year’s winners. We hope that this will raise awareness amongst our shoppers to engage with wildlife and inspire them to be at one with nature. We are proud to display these unique visions captured throughout the county and help us appreciate the wonderful wildlife in our local surroundings.”

From February, High Chelmer Shopping Centre in Chelmsford will be displaying the winning images for members of the public to come and enjoy.

The Essex Wildlife Trust Photography Competition 2022 was sponsored by High Chelmer Shopping Centre.