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Incredible Historic Photographer of the Year Competition shows worldwide sites like never before

From world-renowned cultural sites to the hidden gems of long-forgotten civilisations, the first Historical Photographer of the Year competition shows some of the world’s most beautiful places in a striking new light.

Photographs were judged on originality, composition and technical proficiency, alongside the story behind each image and its historical impact.

The overall winning image was shot by Matt Emmett from Reading who took home the prize for his image of RAF Nocton Hall, an abandoned former military hospital.

The winning public vote photograph was a shot of Jedburgh Abbey taken on a school trip, and was won by Manchester’s Jenna Johnston.

Judge Dan Snow said: ‘Historical photography is about seeking out a great subject, getting up ridiculously early, climbing high and waiting.

‘Real history doesn’t always have to be a museum or gallery. It can be a proper adventure out to the middle of nowhere, where you stumble across decaying remnants of the past. The best history photography often captures sites which may be entirely lost to our grandchildren.’

On the winning image, judge James Hoare said ‘I love Matt’s image, it’s simple, effective and hyperlocal, and it makes some important points.

‘Conserve-as-found is increasingly a part of the heritage landscape and Matt captures not some frozen image of calcified past, but an image of an ongoing history, one that didn’t end when the doors slammed shut and the air crew mustered out. Matt firmly establishes history as being forever in the corner of our eye wherever we roam.’

The competition is supported by HISTORY®, The Royal Photographic Society and All About History.

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