Wow, what a week it's been. I'm still in complete shock after my image was awarded 1st place in the first International Light Painting Awards earlier this week.
The worldwide competition established by Jan Leonardo Wöllert saw it's first year this year, however the submitted images were anything but immature. The quality of the nominees' work is nothing short of spectacular, leaving me feeling... Humble.
Seeing the amazing array of skills displayed in the galleries, I can't help but feel like I've not earned it. All we did for this image was put a few lights on a tripod while I stood in front of them. It was one of the simplest images to create. Getting to the location was the tough part and a story in itself.
I have to take myself back to that moment when I first saw the image appear on the back of the camera. I kinda melted when I saw it and really it's the simplicity that makes it work, along with the awesome structure itself. I don't think I've ever seen a bad photograph of this place.
As soon as I captured this I decided it was going to be the image I entered into Jan Leonardo's competition which I had kept an eye on for several weeks. Never in a million years did I think I would win. It is an achievement of which I am immensely proud.
Make sure you have a look at the nominees' amazing images in the ILPA 2013 Gallery.
There is further reading in a short interview I had with fellow (and totally amazing) light painter Jason Page of lightpaintingphotography.com, who was on the Judges' panel.
Also more here in the thread that I wrote before the judges had made their decision.
Everyone involved in the competition is in it purely to promote light painting as an art form. It's a great thing, get involved.
I have to give a huge thanks for all the kind words I have received from everyone, it's to awesome to know there's so many people out there who appreciate what you do.