The Power of Weather Photography: Capturing the Extraordinary
In a world where we often take the beauty of nature for granted, the Royal Meteorological Society's Weather Photographer of the Year Competition shines a spotlight on the extraordinary. This year's winners have proven that there's more to rainbows than meets the eye, and that the weather can inspire awe-inspiring moments.
The competition, now in its 10th year and sponsored by Standard Chartered, received over 4,000 entries from photographers across 84 countries. The winners, chosen by an esteemed panel of experts, showcase the diverse and captivating nature of weather phenomena.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, a little less understood. Rainbows, a common sight, often hide a secret: their full circular form. Most of us have only seen a rainbow's arc, but a full circle? That's a rare treat, and our grand prize winners, a duo from China, captured it perfectly.
Engineer and photographer Geshuang Chen explains the magic: "It was a drizzle at Lugu Lake, and I knew I had to act fast. I flew my drone high, through the rain, and captured the complete circle."
And this is the part most people miss: rainbows are unique to the viewer. Each person's perspective creates a different angle of light, making every rainbow a personal experience. So, when you see a rainbow, remember, it's yours alone.
The runner-up, Jadwiga Piasecka, braved Storm Eunice to capture the fury of nature. Her image, taken from a safe vantage point, showcases the power of the sea and the storm's intensity. It's a reminder of the raw energy that lies within our natural world.
Then there's Lukáš Gallo's third-place win, a spontaneous capture of Kelvin-Helmholtz wave clouds. These rare 'wave' clouds form when wind creates a difference in air layers, resulting in a stunning visual display. Gallo's image, taken near Vodňany, Czechia, showcases nature's drama against a peaceful rural backdrop.
The mobile category winner takes us to Myanmar, where a sudden downpour creates a sense of urgency. The image, captured by a traveling photographer, showcases the beauty of everyday life interrupted by nature's force.
So, what do you think? Are these images a testament to the beauty of weather phenomena, or do they simply capture a moment in time? Share your thoughts and let's discuss the art of weather photography!
