A photo of Holy Island Causeway by a self-taught local photographer has been
chosen as the front cover image for next year’s Northumberland Coast Visitor
Guide.
The winning entry was taken by Ben Wayman, a photographer who lives in
Newcastle. Ben explained how his shot captured the beauty of the landscape saying:
“ As a change from my usual Northumberland woodland or hill walk, I decided to
head up the coast. I was familiar with the great sweeping beaches but thought I’d
head to Holy Island/Lindisfarne early to watch the sunrise. Luckily, the clouds began
to break up and the Sun burst through, lighting up the island. What better way to
begin your day? We are so very lucky to have such a beautiful landscape on our
doorstep; if we deserve to have it, then it serves to be looked after and cherished”.
The image was chosen as the winner of the Northumberland Coast Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership’s photographic competition by
judges Cllr Jeff Watson, Ken Stait and Jane Coltman. The shot will feature on the
cover of fifty thousand visitor guides next summer. Ben will also receive a £150
voucher for Stait Photo in Morpeth.
Explaining why the image caught her eye, Jane Coltman, Deputy Images Editor at
Johnston Press North of Tyne said, “ I was so impressed with the entry of images in
this competition. The AONB celebrates our wonderful coast and the photographs we
looked at reflected this so well. The winning picture is of an iconic place in
Northumberland and the photographer's skill combined with the glorious light has
produced a superb image”.
Ken Stait who runs Stait Photo in Morpeth and Hexham sponsored the competition
and was also a judge said “We had quite a few photos of Bamburgh Castle to judge
but the simplicity and serenity of this photograph set it apart. It is a beautiful shot.”