UKC

The UKC/UKH Mountain Photography Awards: The Winners

© Jon Griffith

Leo Houlding - Photography Awards Judge  © Houlding collection
Leo Houlding - Photography Awards Judge
This year sees the first annual UKC/UKH Mountain Photography Awards (2011) presented by Berghaus, with additional sponsorship from F-stop and Rockfax

Prizes have been awarded for the three best photographers at UKC/UKH and single category winners from the 14 photo category galleries.

Leo Houlding announces the winners of the 2011 UKC/UKH Mountain Photography Awards:

"Well I must say the standard is impressively high.

It's been an inspiring pleasure to view so many special places, vistas, moments and moves. I can see why UKCs photo of the week is such a popular feature. It's been really tough choosing the winners, a much more demanding and time consuming task than I envisioned.

I'd like to thank Alex Messenger of the BMC and UKC/UKH Editors Dan Bailey and Jack Geldard for their help in narrowing the selection. I have commented on all the winners' work below.

After careful consideration I am pleased to announce the winners of the UKC/UKH Mountain Photography Awards 2011..."

 


UKC/UKH Top Photographer: First Place - Jon Griffith

Ueli Steck approaching the M6 pitch of the Supercouloir, Tacul  © Jon Griffith
Ueli Steck approaching the M6 pitch of the Supercouloir, Tacul
© Jon Griffith

On the stunning ice pitches of Late to Say I'm Sorry, Aiguille Verte  © Jon Griffith
On the stunning ice pitches of Late to Say I'm Sorry, Aiguille Verte
© Jon Griffith

"Jon Griffith is one of the few photographers who's camera and climbing skills seem equally matched"

After much contemplation, for me the stand out winner has to be Jon Griffith. His exceptional shots of the Mont Blanc massif find new, different and alluring scenes within the much photographed region.

He's one of the few photographers who's camera and climbing skills seem equally matched and who knows it's worth its weight, and the wait to get that camera out and make it count even when the going gets tough.

There's some hard earned, stunning shots in his galleries and he is therefore my choice as overall winner.

Awards 1  © UKC
Take a look at Jon's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

Jon wins:

 

  • Berghaus Attrition Jacket (RRP £320)
  • F-stop Satori EXP and Medium Pro ICU- (£310)
  • Rockfax guidebook

Gavin Pike and Yoshiko Mayasaki on Left Edge at sunrise. Jorasses in the distance  © Jon Griffith
Gavin Pike and Yoshiko Mayasaki on Left Edge at sunrise. Jorasses in the distance
© Jon Griffith

 


UKC/UKH Top Photographer: Second Place - Mike Meysner

Torstein  © Mike Meysner
Torstein
© Mike Meysner, Aug 2010

Red point at Sunset  © Mike Meysner
Red point at Sunset
© Mike Meysner, Nov 2009

"I think Mike Meysner really makes the most of some of the exciting new features on modern cameras. Not that these are any replacement for the classical qualities of light, composition and the moment - all of which Mike is a master."

It's really interesting to see the different, and not so different styles that digital photography has opened up. Though I'm not a big fan over overly manicured images I think Mike Meysner really makes the most of some of the exciting new features on modern cameras. Not that these are any replacement for the classical qualities of light, composition and the moment - all of which Mike is a master. His shots of Elbe sandstone, particularly the one above, was probably my overall favourite shot and the most inspiring. I'm already planning a trip.

Awards 2  © UKC
Take a look at Mike's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

Mike wins:

 

  • Berghaus Mount Asgard Jacket (£260)
  • F-stop Kago Belt, Harness, Large Barrel, Wide Barrel, Pro Wide Barrel, FC wallet, & Digibuddy - (£225)
  • Rockfax guidebook

 

 

 


UKC/UKH Top Photographer: Third Place - Nicholas Livesey

An evening above the clouds on Gable  © Nicholas Livesey
An evening above the clouds on Gable
© Nicholas Livesey, Oct 2010

Lingmell tree and Kirk Fell  © Nicholas Livesey
Lingmell tree and Kirk Fell
© Nicholas Livesey, Jul 2011

"Our hills are our mountains and Nicholas makes that clear"

Nicholas's pictures are a powerful reminder that this green and pleasant land that puts the UK in UKC has more than it's fair share of epic vistas, greater ranges of light and colour and unforgettable moments of mountain majesty. It's nice to see the Cwms and Glens sitting along side the Dales and Fells in harmony, without the conflict of nationality, nor intimidated or overshadowed in the company of EU grandeur or superlative Asian behemoths. Our hills are our mountains and Nicholas makes that clear.

Awards 3  © UKC
Take a look at Nicholas's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

Nicholas wins

 

  • Berghaus Baffin Island Jacket (RRP £150)
  • F-stop Millar Brooklyn Sling - (£72)
  • Rockfax guidebook

 

 

 


Awards Cata  © UKC

Category Winners

NOTE: Each category winner gets a Berghaus Remote II 30 Daysac – (RRP £55) and a Rockfax guidebook.

Hillwalking: Winner: Catherine Speakman: Ingleborough, Dawn Inversion

Some of my favourite moments in mountains are those spent above the clouds.

It's such a privilege to be out there like Jack up the bean stalk surrounded by giants. This shot captures the scale and majesty not of a greater range superlative or ostentatious granite fang but of a humble Dale and the fleeting prize of an early start.

Take a look at Catherine's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

Ingleborough. Dawn Inversion.  © Catherine Speakman
Ingleborough. Dawn Inversion.
© Catherine Speakman, Nov 2011

 


Expedition/Alpine: Winner: Jon Griffith: Torre Group, Patagonia

Full moon over the Torre massif on the approach to Exocet. One of my favourite shots.  © Jon Griffith
Full moon over the Torre massif on the approach to Exocet. One of my favourite shots.
© Jon Griffith

Not that there is anything wrong with photos of ostentatious granite fangs, especially when it is Cerro Torre. This fresh take on a cliched angle reminds us why some peaks are allowed to be arrogant. For most photographers their mission is just to capture a shot like this, on this occasion it was but a slight delay on the approach to a world class climb.

Great skills from the overall winner.

 

Take a look at Jon's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

Sport Climbing: Winner: Hannah Julienne: Ceuse, Bourinator 8a

Bourinator, Ceuse  © HannahJulienne
Bourinator, Ceuse
© HannahJulienne, Aug 2011

You can't beat a classic silhouette at sunset on arguably the best sport crag in the world. A shot every climber and snapper wants in their portfolio.

Take a look at Hannah Julienne's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

 

Bouldering: Winner: Nick Brown: Angel's Share, Black Rocks

Angel's Share  © Nick Brown
Angel's Share
© Nick Brown

The Angel's Share is the portion of spirit that is lost to evaporation during the ageing of whiskey. It is also the name of this Johnny Dawes master piece.

Once considered Hard Grit, now High Ball, celestial beings are almost present in this image that captures the magic of Black Rocks and the essence of the Grit Winter.

 

Take a look at Nick's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

Trad Climbing: Winner: Kyle Wood: Cioch Crack, Curbar

photo
It doesn't get any easier with age! Climber topping out on Cioch Crack.
© highaltitudebarista, Oct 2011

I love the contrast of expression between the climber, maximum exertion, and the belayer maximum amusement "bit of slack did you say?" I should imagine the still is more graceful than the video?

Take a look at Kyle Wood's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

Winter Climbing: Winner: Pete Macpherson: The Gathering VIII,9, Coire an Lochain

FA The Gathering VIII,9  © petemacpherson
FA The Gathering VIII,9
© petemacpherson, Feb 2011

An interesting and unusual composition of a striking line. Does the lens increase the angle, or is it really that steep?

Take a look at Pete Macpherson's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

Winter Walking: Winner: Nicholas Livesey: Walkers on Choire Chais

Walkers on Fiachaill a' Choire Chais  © Nicholas Livesey
Walkers on Fiachaill a' Choire Chais
© Nicholas Livesey, Jan 2011

A classic shot - is it Scott of the Antarctic or Hillary on the South Col? No it's some blokes out for a stroll in the Highlands.

Take a look at Nicholas's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

Landscape: Winner: Stuart Holmes (Ice Nine): Concordia with K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum IV

4 x 1 minute exposures with 14mm fixed lens at ISO 2500. Concordia with K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum IV  © Ice Nine
4 x 1 minute exposures with 14mm fixed lens at ISO 2500. Concordia with K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum IV
© Ice Nine, Aug 2011

Very cool long exposure of the Milky way - happens to have three of the world's raddest mountains in the foreground.

Take a look at Stuart Holmes' UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

Scrambling: Winner: Nicholas Livesey: The Aonach Eagach

photo
The Aonach Eagach
© Nicholas Livesey, Dec 2008

Although I'm sure I saw this shot entered in the hillwalking category too, the distinction between serious walking, scrambling and easy climbing can be vague... the warm light on cold earth, perfect composition and whiff of clouds earns a prize this time.

 


 

 

Indoor: Winner: Kamil Tamiola: The Excalibur Tower at the Bjoeks Wall, Holland

photo
The fall on the Worlds Highest artificial climbing Tower (37m) in Bjoeks Climbing Center, Groningen, NL.
Kamil Tamiola, May 2011
© ALPINE-PHOTOGRAPHY

Though very much stretching the term 'indoor' - I like the weird view and mix of colour between the natural sunset and flash-lit wall.

 

Take a look at Kamil Tamiola's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

Biking: Winner: Sam Halligan:

Bolivia's Road of Death. 

Nice views, but my high fat low salad diet is more dangerous!  © THE.WALRUS
Bolivia's Road of Death. Nice views, but my high fat low salad diet is more dangerous!
© THE.WALRUS, May 2011

Not the strongest category but I suppose this is not UK Biking. Perhaps a little over exposed in more ways than one! Great sense of scale and of the riders excitement.

Take a look at Sam Halligan's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

Running: Winner: Stuart Holmes (Ice Nine): Shine A Light

Shine a light!  © Ice Nine
Shine a light!
© Ice Nine

An unusual long exposure that creates a cool effect. Nice of Stuart to explain exactly how this effect was achieved.

 

Take a look at Stuart Holmes' UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

Historical: Winner: Ian Campbell/Toy Stead : Sixties Hoodlums - Ogwen Cottage Group 1961

photo
Sixties hoodlums - Ogwen Cottage group 1961
© boje, Mar 1961

The impact of this shot is in the caption. Torching cars in Ogwen - '"they really were happy times" - this our pedigree, let us not forget. These days skipping bolts at the wall is considered rebellious.

 

Take a look at Ian Campbell's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 


 

Wildlife: Winner: Garbhanach: A Puffin

photo
Lunga Birds
© Garbhanach, Jul 2011

I like Puffins.

Take a look at Garbhanach's UKC/UKH Photo Gallery

 

 

 


A big congratulations to Jon Griffith, Mike Meysner, Nicholas Livesey, Catherine Speakman, Hannah Julienne, Nick Brown, Kyle Wood, Pete Macpherson, Stuart Holmes, Kamil Tamiola, Sam Halligan, Ian Campbell/Toy Stead, and Garbhanach.

Thank You

A big thank you to our sponsors: Berghaus, F-Stop and Rockfax; and the judges Leo Houlding, Alex Messenger, Jack Geldard and Dan Bailey.

Thank you to everyone who shares their photography at UKClimbing.com and UKHillwalking.com.

About Berghaus

Berghaus logo  © Berghaus

Berghaus Team  © Berghaus

From the Berg rucksacks, and the first GORE-TEX® jackets in the 70's to todays body-mapped hydrophobic goose jackets and our EXTREM range, the dress code for the most inhospitable places on earth; Berghaus have been designing and building outdoor gear for the last 40 years. Whether hiking in the Lake District or exploring the summits of the Himalaya we partner with you to keep you comfortable and safe.

Explore their full range at Berghaus.com

About F-stop

F-stop logo  © F-stop

F-stop believe your camera bag should assist you in getting the perfect shot--not hold you back. That's they have created a line of packs and bags with the adventure photographer in mind. Whether you are skiing down the backside of the Alps, climbing in Patagonia, exploring the rain forest in Brazil, or just on holiday F-stop bags will get your equipment there safely no matter the conditions.

The Mountain series melds hardcore functionality with intelligent design to create the ideal pack for the serious outdoor professional. Constructed of high-quality weather resistant ballistic nylon and weatherproof zippers, all Mountain series packs are amazingly weather resistant, ready to take on the most extreme conditions. From the expedition-sized Satori to the nimble Mala beltpack, these packs will keep your camera gear organized, safe and easily accessible no matter the situation.

Explore their full range at Fstopgear.com.

About Rockfax guidebooks

Rockfax logo  © Rockfax

ROCKFAX publish rock climbing guidebooks to areas all over the world. Our printed guidebooks use every available modern publishing technique to create visually-stunning guidebooks which use full colour photos, photo-topos, text descriptions and maps to create the most user-friendly rock climbing guidebooks anywhere in the World. We also have a series of climbing performance coaching books and downloadable PDF MiniGUIDES.





2 May, 2012
That was a right enjoyable few minutes I just spent perusing... well done everyone!
2 May, 2012
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3 May, 2012
To me it does not seem right to award first place to a professional photographer especially for what are commercial images. I have a lot of respect for John Griffith, who is clearly a supremely talented climber and photographer, but it seems like very poor decision making on behalf of Berghaus and UKC to award first place to one of the more successful professional outdoor photographers (especially one who has worked with Berghaus). John's image of the Kuffner ridge is one that John himself has described as the most successful commercial photograph that John has taken.
3 May, 2012
I like to think that the short list Leo was given had the names of the photographers removed (that has been the case on photo competitions I've had to judge in the past). Two other points: a) You can't move the goal posts in retrospect. The competition was open to all who subscribe to UKC/H. b) Many photographers work on the fringe of being professionals i.e. not necessarily full-time, but nevertheless making some money from their work. I.e the distinction between amateur and professional is quite blurred, probably more so these days than ever.
3 May, 2012
Congratulations to all involved, those are some of the most dramatic, stunning and even amusing in one case, photos of the great outdoors that I have seen. Gordon's right - either pros are exempt from the competition at the start, or they're equally able to win. Jon's photos would stand out in any peer group, and he has a unique eye on the climbing world. I'm particular pleased to see Nicholas doing so well, I've really enjoyed his photos. A master of light. All the other winners are highly deserving, and I thank them for sharing their photos on UKC & UKH, both pro & amateur.
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