I'm really pleased, first of all, to have had one of my entries this year shortlisted in the British Photography Awards (BPA) in 2025. This competition is a staple of the British photographic community, especially given that they cover a broad range of 20 categories, from Street to Self-Portrait and Water Life to Wedding.
As a Nature & Landscape Photographer, my focus sits very much in the related categories. I entered the Landscape, Drone, Low Light & Land Animal categories this year, with a range of my photographs from the past year. With the £5 per image entry fee (which includes a charitable donation), I feel like entering a fair selection of images is justifiable!
This year, I'm pleased to say that one of my images made the, once again, very impressive shortlist. The image is in the drone category and is titled "The Long Shadow". If you do follow me & my journey, you'll no doubt know this image!
My Shortlisted Photograph in the 2025 British Photography Awards Drone Category
The photograph that has been shortlisted this year is "The Long Shadow".
This captures the moment the sun rose above the horizon and shone warm light across the misty Oxfordshire landscape on the 1st March 2025 - the first day of Meterological Springtime. This created a long shadow behind the clump of trees on this small barrow, where light fades into dark and the furrows in the field provide beautiful leading lines.
I've captioned the image simply with: "On the first day of meteorological spring, the warm sunrise filtered through the low-lying mist, casting a striking shadow behind this small cluster of trees atop an ancient Bronze Age barrow."
You can go and vote for my image here: The Long Shadow by Christopher Harrison
You can also browse the broader shortlist here: British Photography Awards 2025 Shortlist
I cannot wait to attend the Gala Dinner in London on the 3rd November 2025, where the winners will be announced. I also look forward to meeting many like-minded photographers, some of whom I have known 'online' for a long time!
If you did make the shortlist, you are then in contention for the title of Category Winner (which is judged) & also Peoples Choice (which is based on a public vote).
Reviewing the Shortlist of BPA 2025
I have to say, the shortlist of the BPA 2025 is, once again, of such an incredible standard. Congratulations if you made it - it's a great achievement. I'd highly recommend making time to attend the Gala Dinner in London - it's a fantastic celebration of photography and you will no doubt find yourself chatting and networking with many like-minded photographers!
Right - in terms of reviewing the shortlist - I'll stick to the categories I most resonate with - Landscape, Low Light & Drone.
The Landscape Category
As the winner of the 2024 Landscape Category, I was a little bit disappointed with not making the shortlist again to defend my title - however, on review of those shortlisted - I can see why. The standard of images this year is excellent - with a range of subjects from woodland, intimate scenes & grand vistas.
Some photographs do jump out to me, however, this is my personal opinion and shouldn't be seen as trying to predict a winner!
Firstly is Mark Hetherington & his photograph titled "Eigg Gold" - this is a superb coastal capture at sunset, where golden light bathes the scene. I just love the use of a long exposure, the milky sea water and detailed rocks in the foreground, the leading lines of the layered rock and the distant Rum island providing a great silouhette on the horizon.
Secondly is Graham Niven with his photograph titled "Emerald Jewel" - this is a magical photograph from the Cairngorms in Scotland, capturing the low sun shining through the iconic gnarly scots pine trees on the banks of the rolling peaks of the Highlands. I just love the composition, the sun star and the warm light bathing the scene.
