The National Park's popular photo competition is due for another instalment in 2024, with a fresh theme of "Stunning Seasons of the South Downs".
To celebrate the characteristics of each season, participants are urged to share images that show off spring, summer, autumn, and winter in the National Park.
A cash prize of £100 will be awarded to the photographer who best depicts each season, with a total of four seasonal winners. The panel will be looking for images that show both the changing environment and its effects on landscape, nature, and communities.
In addition to this year's competition, a "Towns and Villages" sub-category has been introduced. Entrants stand a chance to win another £100 if their photograph portrays any of the many towns, villages or hamlets within the National Park.
The Wildlife category remains a mainstay, though it stands as a non-themed segment of the competition.
The best photograph of South Downs' wildlife will be awarded £100, while the second-place winner will receive £50. The competition for young photography enthusiasts is being brought back with two divisions, one for children aged 10 and below, and another for those aged between 11 and 17.
The top prize for the younger group consists of a family ticket to Marwell Wildlife, while the older group's winner will be awarded a family pass to BirdWorld.
Judging will be conducted by photographers Rachael Talibart, Finn Hopson, and Carlotta Luke, with Claire Blow, deputy editor of Outdoor Photography magazine, also on the panel.
Carlotta, who’s based in Lewes, said: "I’m very excited about this year’s theme! There is so much change to the landscape of the National Park as the seasons progress, giving photographers a lot to focus on. I would love to see some photos that really capture the feeling of a season through its distinctive quality of light, light that changes throughout the year with the angle of the sun."
Claire added: "With so much amazing scenery, the South Downs National Park is a wonderful place to experience the splendour of each season. I can’t wait to see everyone’s photos of this inspiring landscape throughout the year!"
Entries can be submitted through the National Park's online portal, and all submitted images should have been taken within the South Downs National Park within the last decade. The entry deadline is midnight on October 31, 2024.
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