History Hit has revealed the winners of the Historic Photographer of the Year Competition for 2023. Josh Dury, from Bath, won in the Overall category, for his shot of the Callanish Standing Stones in the Outer Hebrides, photographed at sunrise as mist enveloped the ancient site. Scott Macintyre won in the Historic England category and George Anthony Fisk won in the World History category.
“Judging this year’s captivating entries was a true honour,” said Dan Snow, Creative Director at History Hit. “Witnessing the fusion of past and present through these lens masterpieces has been inspiring.”
The competition received over 1,000 entries, which were judged based on originality, composition and technical proficiency alongside the history behind the image. Find out more about the entries below.
Historic England Winner
The Historic England category was won by Scott Macintyre for his image of the Windy Post Cross in Dartmoor. “Sometimes known as the Beckamoor Cross, this granite cross is very well preserved, known to be erected around the 16th century.”
“This beautiful photograph offers a gaze at the stillness of time, seen in the Cross, and the passing of time with the running of the water over the rocks,” said judge Marissa Roth.
“Wayside crosses are one of the distinctive features of Dartmoor, and this beautiful and atmospheric image captures brilliantly the way in which this ancient monument has become such an intrinsic part of Dartmoor’s historic landscape,” said judge Claudia Kenyatta, Director of Regions at Historic England.
World History Winner
George Anthony Fisk, from Whitsable in Kent, was judged the World History winner for his haunting photograph of Auschwitz-Birkenau. “A truly sad and harrowing place to visit,” he explained. “I did wrestle with the photography aspect and what was right and wrong with respecting the victims of the holocaust. It must however be remembered, and images of Auschwitz and Birkenau are a reminder of this period in world history.”
“This is a familiar composition, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful or important,” commented judge Marissa Roth. “What this haunting black and white photograph shows us is a timeless time. It was taken now, but could have been taken on a tragic foggy day in 1944.”
Overall Winner
Dan Snow commended Josh Dury’s winning photograph of the Callanish Standing Stones: “Standing stones at sunrise with a gentle mist rising? That’s the holy grail for historical photography. Absolute perfection.”
“This image is evocative on many levels,” said judge Marissa Roth, “as an ode to ancient human history, as a symbol of hope and renewal, and as a very beautiful well-executed and thoughtful photograph.”
Judge Philip Mowbray added: “It is a gorgeous scene; the sunrise is perfectly placed to give this image a mythical, otherworldly element synonymous with the stones. Stunning.”
The panel of judges included Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Marissa Roth, Claudia Kenyatta, Director of Regions at Historic England, and History Hit’s Dan Snow. Also judging the competition were Philip Mowbray, Editor of PicFair’s Focus magazine, and Andrew Hepburn, Deputy Picture Editor for The Times.
The entire shortlist can be seen here.
View a selection of shortlisted entries below.
Glencoe by Pete Stevens
Judge Philip Mowbray commented: “Glencoe is synonymous with photographers, but you rarely see a combination like this with the memorial, not to mention a rainbow like this. This image has everything, and it perfectly captures how spectacular Glencoe is, but also the drama and darkness the place holds too. It is able to both be a scene of beauty but also remind viewers of the bloodshed that occurred there.”
Bluebell Railway featuring the Flying Scotsman by Michael Steven Harris
“A very well-seen and well-executed photograph taking us back in time to placing the Flying Scotsman in the context of the landscape and beautiful light,” commented judge Marissa Roth.
Lindisfarne Castle by Jim Scott
“I noticed a flock of birds resting on the sand at low tide and waited for them to take flight in front of the castle,” explained Jim Scott, “allowing me to capture this shot which I’ve called ‘The early birds of Lindisfarne’.”
“Everything about this is just stunning, the silhouettes, the birds, the golden hour colour palette…” said Philip Mowbray. “Having previously lived in Northumberland and spent much time at Lindisfarne, it really is a magical place, and I feel the photographer has captured that magic in this single frame.”
Utah Beach, France by Graham Alan Harries
“The 80th anniversary of World War II is almost upon us, but the reminders that the consequences of war, from the toll on those who fought, to the civilians who perished, and the unimaginable destruction that was wrought, must never be forgotten,” comments judge Marissa Roth. “This photograph, taken just before nightfall is both eerie and evocative of what was lost, but that life continues to go on.”
Little Moreton Hall by Chris Green
“This was taken using my phone (iPhone 12) in January 23 as I arrived at work,” explains photographer Chris Green. “Little Moreton Hall is probably the most complete Tudor farm house in England – this view is of the South Range and main entrance, dating from the 1560’s.”
Castle an Dinas, Cornwall by Colin Hart
Colin Hart’s sunset photograph of Castle an Dinas was taken in August 2023. “Castle an Dinas is a spectacular Iron Age fort with some indications of activity back to Neolithic times. In March 1646 Royalist forces held a Council of War at Castle an Dinas to decide upon their surrender to the forces of Parliament.”
View the complete shortlist here.
