Best of British
SUMMER PHOTO COMPETITION
The winning photo
Congratulations to Lucy Janaway, winner of the Back British Farming photo competition.
“The best sunset I’ve ever captured on the farm, and it’s my favourite field.”
The judges' favourites
Shortlisted images the judges loved
Aldona Piotrowska: After all the rain we've had, this picture feels like a glimpse of hope, a promise... a promise of a good crop. Captured on an evening dog walk, with my favourite backdrop - a view of the Penyard Hill near Ross-on-Wye.
Aldona Piotrowska: After all the rain we've had, this picture feels like a glimpse of hope, a promise... a promise of a good crop. Captured on an evening dog walk, with my favourite backdrop - a view of the Penyard Hill near Ross-on-Wye.
Paul Millard: Cows and views are my favourite things to photograph and the shot hits the spot for both together.
Paul Millard: Cows and views are my favourite things to photograph and the shot hits the spot for both together.
Charles Burton: This picture was taken on my farm at harvest and grass haylage getting the job done into the evening while the good weather was there to take advantage of.
Charles Burton: This picture was taken on my farm at harvest and grass haylage getting the job done into the evening while the good weather was there to take advantage of.
Freddie Gittus: To me this image encompasses everything about the British Countryside. A snippet of farming incorporating cattle manure into the ground ready for next years crop. Beautiful rolling countryside, woodland, hedge lines and flower margins allowing wildlife to flourish and finally a stunning summer sunset to top it off.
Freddie Gittus: To me this image encompasses everything about the British Countryside. A snippet of farming incorporating cattle manure into the ground ready for next years crop. Beautiful rolling countryside, woodland, hedge lines and flower margins allowing wildlife to flourish and finally a stunning summer sunset to top it off.
Ian Nuttall: Camping in Britain gives you the opportunity to visit so many landscapes and you get to appreciate how important farming has been to shape both the landscape and identity of the country. This was captured at sunset whilst taking the dog for a stroll camping in North Norfolk.
Ian Nuttall: Camping in Britain gives you the opportunity to visit so many landscapes and you get to appreciate how important farming has been to shape both the landscape and identity of the country. This was captured at sunset whilst taking the dog for a stroll camping in North Norfolk.
Jayne Gough: This reminds me of my summers spent in Hampshire with my grandparents, my grandad was a tenant farmer.
Jayne Gough: This reminds me of my summers spent in Hampshire with my grandparents, my grandad was a tenant farmer.
Jill Belt: I’ve entered this picture as it is one of my favourite views of the moorland and dales looking out to sea on the North Yorkshire moors.
Jill Belt: I’ve entered this picture as it is one of my favourite views of the moorland and dales looking out to sea on the North Yorkshire moors.
This competition has now closed.
Farm Stay UK is offering a £1,000 voucher towards a farm holiday or rural getaway
We’re looking for photos that showcase the best of the British countryside and farmed landscape.
Back British Farming and Farm Stay UK are offering you the chance to win £1,000 towards a holiday in the beautiful British countryside.
The Best of British summer photo competition aims to showcase the best of our British landscapes and how farmers care for our countryside while producing the nation's food.
Farming has shaped our iconic landscapes across the generations. Without farmers and growers looking after the countryside, it wouldn’t look like or be the wonderful place that we all cherish so much.
All you have to do is share a picture of your favourite farmed landscape, capturing the best of British farming along with what it means to you and why.
The competition opened on 15 July and closed on 16 August.
From self-catering holidays with hot tubs to B&Bs or glamping with a view. Enter the competition and be in with a chance to wake up to the countryside.
Farm Stay UK members span the length and breadth of the country, offering self-catering, bed and breakfast or glamping accommodation in beautiful countryside locations, providing guests with the ultimate rural stay.
Five tips for capturing a winning photo
What the judges are looking for
Composition
Decide what the focal point of your image is and guide the viewer towards it. Use leading lines from footpaths or hedges to draw the attention where you want it. Also make sure your camera is focused on the most important part of the image.
Incorporate people
People can bring a sense of scale and realism to an image. Perhaps it's a popular dog walking spot or somewhere a farmer works.
Be patient
Once you are happy with your location and composition, look at the clouds to see if the weather is due to change. The scene can look dramatically different just a few seconds later.
Better still, revisit the location at a different time of day (sunrise or sunset is best).
Perspective
Consider trying out different angles. Most photos are taken from chest height so they all have the same perspective, so try getting your camera down low or up high. It won’t hurt to take more pictures than you need.
Make the most of what you are photographing with
Not everyone has access to the best camera but make the most of what you have by cleaning the lens before taking a shot – especially if you use a camera phone.
Meet the judges
JOHN
COTTLE
As a designer for the NFU, John is responsible for the design of British Farmer and Grower, Horticulture and Student Farmer magazines.
With over 10 years of agricultural photography experience, John specialises in enviromental portraits of farmers. He also has an extensive portfolio of on-farm photography, capturing everything from livestock to combine harvesters.
TOBY
LEA
Toby is a seasoned creative professional specialising in photography and graphic design, with nearly two decades of industry experience. His work has graced national campaigns and publications. Currently, Toby is the lead designer at Countryside magazine, he is often found out in the field, shooting photos for features, or at his desk, meticulously curating images from other photographers.
CHRIS
WARREN
Chris manages the NFU design team whose core work is the design of the NFU's nine publications. He works closely with the Picture Editor on picture research, commissioning and licensing. Chris's design experience spans four decades, mostly in magazine design, where he has art directed and commissioned countless photographers – mostly for food, gardening, fashion and even babies.
“We‘re looking forward to seeing the variety of photos entered into this year‘s competition.
“It offers a unique opportunity to celebrate stunning landscapes, diverse perspectives, and emerging talent in the art of photography.
“Remember, you don‘t need to be a professional to take a great quality picture. No matter what device you use, get photographing and send us your favourite shots.”
The small print
Details of the competition are included in our terms and conditions.
Visit: NFUonline.com | Best of British photo competition terms and conditions
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