Geographical Association’s Physical Geography Photo Competition – Winners!

For the second year running, the BSG sponsored the Geographical Association’s Physical Geography Photo Competition. The competition is split into two categories – years 7-9 and years 10-13, with a common theme, which this year was ‘The Power of Physical Geography’ – a theme which is, of course, very relevant to geomorphology! In addition to capturing the theme in a striking photograph, the competition asks budding geographers and photographers to provide a 250-word explanation or reflection on how the photograph captures the theme. This is often a more challenging task than the photograph, but is an excellent way of reflecting on geographical and geomorphological understanding. Over 250 entries were received, which demonstrates the level of interest in both understanding, explaining, and visually capturing physical geography.

This year’s winning entries, as well as the second and third placed entries can now be seen on the GA’s website*. This is an excellent collection of photographs, spanning fluvial, glacial (and periglacial), and coastal environments and processes and highlighting the power of erosion and weathering processes particularly. Locations ranged from Eastbourne to Switzerland and Canada! The photo descriptions and judges’ comments on each photograph can also be seen. Many congratulations to the two winners, Florence Turnbull, from Stroud High School, and Thara Leenahwattana from Shrewsbury International School and also to the runners up.

As geomorphologists we know the added value that a well-composed photograph can bring to a scientific paper or report, accompanied by a clear written description. There is a long tradition of photography in geomorphology, and indeed, historical field photographs can be incredibly valuable records of geomorphological change. Hopefully the winning photographers’ enthusiasm for geography and photography will continue and we will see more of their work on landforms and landscapes in future.

The Photo Competition is co-sponsored by Foothills, the independent outdoor specialists based in Sheffield – Foothills: Rohan, Paramo & Hiking Boots and we thank them for their support.

*All the winning entries from previous years of the competition can be viewed here on the GA website.