Stunning Wrekin autumn shot wins award for photographer
He had waited three hours on a misty morning on The Wrekin to capture the perfect autumnal scene and photographer Brett Critchely had to all intents given up.
But while walking away from the popular woodland near Wellington the decisive moment finally arrived for the 37-year-old.
What started out as an unpromising sunrise turned into a stunning and atmospheric photographic work of art for Brett. His image of rays of sunlight beaming through the trees onto golden leaves has now earned him an international award.
Brett was awarded first prize for his entry to the seasons category of the Royal Horticulture Society photograph competition.
He beat hundreds of entrants from 40 countries to be named the winner in the seasons category with his image entitled Autumn Light.
His image was captured at the side of The Wrekin, where Brett, from Great Wyrley in Staffordshire, spent an uncomfortable morning.
He said: "I had just sat through a very wet, cold, foggy and uneventful sunrise and was walking back to my car when this scene presented itself. I shot it freehand with a wide-open aperture and was very pleased with the results. Winning in this category and in this competition is such a fantastic feeling and it is both rewarding and exciting. When I saw the categories for this year's RHS competition I knew this was the right place for me to share my photograph."
Judge Chris Young said: "Brett's image immediately caught the judge's attention as a clear winner of this category. His striking, atmospheric photo with golden leaves lit by stunning shafts of light and misty tree trunks, captures autumn in every sense."
The competition featured categories including plants, people, gardens, wildlife, young photographer of the year and children's photographer.
Remember, you can send your best photos to Star Witness, our online showcase of readers' pictures - with a £100 monthly prize up for grabs. Use the upload box below or visit shropshirestar.com/starwitness
