Extreme weather
orsy

Extreme weather

January 2026

Excellent subject isolation against the high-key snow emphasizes the ptarmigan's winter plumage. Sharp detail and carefully controlled exposure capture its plumage without clipping, highlighting the incredible camouflage and adaptations our wildlife develops against harsh weather. Consider slightly increasing micro-contrast or texture on the feathers to strengthen visual impact while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.

Expert
winner

The low visibility, muted contrast, and intentional underexposure prioritize texture and motion, transforming the subject into an atmospheric study rather than a literal wildlife portrait image. This image beautifully highlights the struggles of wildlife and their amazing adaptations that allow them to survive in harsh climates.

Brief

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Here’s an opportunity to test your camera kit’s weather-sealed properties to the max and embrace everything the elements might throw at you. Instead of shying away from heavy rain, head out into it. Or take a trip to the coast to capture crashing waves in a storm. For a more subtle approach, why not challenge yourself to capture the effects of drought in an unexpected and creative way? Abstract images of parched, cracked earth could send a powerful message about the changes we are living through right now. Don’t forget, though, no photograph is worth risking your personal safety for, so always keep your wits about you.

A dramatic low-angle perspective and converging verticals create strong visual tension so that the London skyline looms large as lightning forks tear the sky apart. Well controlled exposure, and vertical composition heighten drama, conveying the raw power of the storm against an otherwise familiar urban scene.

Golden backlighting beautifully outlines the boxing mountain hares and flurrying snow, lifting them from the snowy scene and emphasizing drama. However, missed critical focus on the hares softens the impact; sharper detail would really elevate an otherwise powerful, unusual and well timed moment.

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I really like the longer focal length used that exaggerates scale as a towering wave crests above the lighthouse. High shutter speed freezes spray, while compressed tonal range and cool white balance convey the violent sea and ominous clouds, emphasizing extreme weather conditions with dramatic clarity.

The telephoto compression really draws the linnets together on the snow covered seed heads, nicely isolating them from the background. Careful exposure and use of shutter speed freezes the action and communicates cold, scarcity, and resilience, ensuring the viewer feels the hardship small birds endure in severe winter.

The black and white treatment gives the snowfall over the viaduct a beautiful, pencil-sketch quality, with strong lines emerging through the storm. Tonal control works well, though slightly deeper blacks in the bridge and key buildings could add contrast and strengthen the architectural definition.

This image powerfully conveys the ferocity of the infamous storm, with towering waves threatening to engulf the lighthouse. Timing and composition emphasize scale and impact, while muted exposure preserves detail in spray. Slightly brighter highlights might further accentuate the raw, overwhelming energy.

The lightning storm over Bryce Canyon is captured with dramatic timing, illuminating the hoodoos against a brooding sky. Strong composition and balanced exposure highlight both the storm and landscape. Darkening the foreground landscape would give the image more of a natural feel.

The jagged mountains are dramatically framed beneath an approaching storm, with sparse green grass in the foreground adding subtle contrast and texture with an eye catching pop of colour. Composition and exposure convey scale and mood effectively. Consider a slight reduction in the highlights to help soften the slightly harsh contrast.

This minimalist composition uses strong S-curves in the fencing to guide the eye effectively through the frame. Exposure is well managed retaining clean snow detail without overexposure. Consider slightly increasing midtone contrast or local clarity on the distant buildings to strengthen subject separation without compromising the high-key aesthetic.

This long exposure expertly balances the dynamic flow of Niagara Falls with the frozen rigidity of thick, hanging icicles. Exposure is handled superbly, preserving detail in both highlights and shadows. the slow shutter speed smooths motion without losing texture, a beautiful image.

The derelict pier under dramatic lightning captures a striking sense of decay and power. Good use of timing and exposure balance the storm with structural detail effectively. Consider a slight crop from the top left or use a panoramic aspect ratio to reduce some negative space.

Excellent use of focal length compression isolates the chapel against the swirling fog and snowy trees, creating a strong layered depth. Warm light hitting the chapel contrasts beautifully with the cold surroundings. Exposure and focus are well controlled, though slightly reducing highlights on the tiled roof could preserve additional texture.

3,066 Images entered

1,047 Photographers

This image demonstrates excellent depth of field and well controlled highlights, nicely preserving snow detail. The river provides a strong leading line with plenty of texture and interest. A slight reduction in exposure in the sky would help to enhance the beautiful pastel tones. Consider using some subtle dodging and burning to enhance tonal contrast and micro-contrast without over processing.

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Entry 27368128
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