Photographers all around the world have been sharing their weather photos, some taken during lockdown, as part of the Weather Photographer of the Year 2020 competition. The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) and AccuWeather are pleased to announce that entries so far for the annual competition have now surpassed 4,800 images; a remarkable figure. Entries for the competition close on Monday, July 6, 2020.
For more information and to enter the competition
Further weather photography hints and tips can be found here
On Friday, August 21 a shortlist of entrants will be announced in tandem with a public voting period through to September 25. A winner will be announced in the Autumn.
Weather Photographer of the Year launched on May 14, 2020 and encouraged photographers of all ages and skill levels to contribute their best photos of weather events. In its fifth year, the competition attracts photographers from all over the world, offering a variety of dazzling and beautiful images. This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, participants can submit pictures regardless of when they were taken, offering an opportunity for award-worthy pictures in entrants’ archives to be considered. Photo enthusiasts participating are also reminded to observe social distancing guidelines for their respective geographic locations.
To date, there have been over 4800 entries for the competition, including 430 entries for the “Young Weather Photographer of the Year,” the category for those 17 and under. This is the second year that AccuWeather has partnered with RMetS to sponsor the competition.
“Each year this contest both receives incredible pictures from entries around the world and also demonstrates the active interest and passion people of all backgrounds have for the weather,” said Jesse Ferrell, AccuWeather expert meteorologist, Social Media Manager and one of the judges for this year’s competition. “Contributions to the Weather Photographer of the Year 2020 are made even more special this year due to challenging nature COVID-19, and the creativity from contestants within the community is on full display. Just as we check our watches every day for the time, the AccuWeather App is a powerful tool to guide their lens and help make sure they don’t miss that perfect weather moment.”
Professor Liz Bentley, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society and on the judging panel for this year’s contest, added: “Weather Photographer of the Year is a particularly special competition for us this year as it marks the Society’s 170th anniversary. The quality and variety of images we receive from all corners of the globe is absolutely outstanding and I always find it interesting to see young enthusiast photographers combining their fascination in weather and climate with their passion for capturing fantastic images. I actually think it’s a secret fascination most of us have and this is the perfect opportunity to share it with others and take people on a journey of discovery, even whilst they may be stuck indoors.”
Entries are still currently being accepted, but before taking aim at the next weather event make sure to follow some simple, easy-to-remember tips when immersed in the elements:
• Use a tripod for rain photography. Consider getting a large umbrella too and tie it to the tripod with a cable tie.
• Raindrops are also best captured when backlit and consider discovering reflections in bodies of water or puddles.
• Leave lenses extended when shooting in rainy conditions.
• When shooting in foggy conditions, make sure to capitalise on using silhouettes or ensure the subject and focal point are close to the camera.
• A longer exposure can also add more depth in a photo when shooting in the fog.
• Pay attention to the time of day as many incredible shots are taken while light streams through trees or clouds.
• Use your AccuWeather app on iOS or Android for the most accurate, up-to-the minute weather forecasting insights to help prepare for any conditions within an award-winning app.
• As always, stay healthy and stay safe.
