Earth Photo shortlist announced

A shortlist of 50 of the best environmental photographs and five films that document the Earth in all its diversity, have been selected for the Society’s Earth Photo competition.

Developed in partnership with Forestry England, this year’s competition explores the themes of people, place, nature, changing forests and ‘a climate of change’.

2021’s shortlist is made up of varied artwork chosen to promote discussion and to help better connect us with the world by sharing stories about our planet, its inhabitants and our treatment of both. From urban orchards in Spain, striking aurora borealis in Norway and mangrove conservation in Sri Lanka, to eco-clothing pageants in the Philippines, deforestation of red cedars in Canada and more, the selected images capture a sense of our often awe-inspiring and always dynamic world at a time when human influence and activity is in sharp focus. 

The shortlist was selected by a distinguished panel with expertise in the fields of photography, film, journalism, geography and the environment. Chaired by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Marissa Roth, the panel included Editor of Geographical magazine, Katie Burton, photographer and filmmaker, Sean Gallagher, photographer Simon Norfolk, Director Colour & Materials at Jaguar Land Rover Design, Amy Frascella, photographer, Ted Soqui, photographer, Basil Pao, Head of Environment and Forest Planning at Forestry England, Andrew Stringer, photographer and producer, Fredi Devas, and Director, Education and Public Affairs at the Royal Photographic Society, Dr Michael Pritchard.  

The shortlisted images will be exhibited at the Society from 28 June to 25 August. Entry is free and tickets must be pre-booked for curated tours in June and July (Mondays and Tuesdays only; from 11.00am to 12.30pm and 3.00pm to 4.30pm). Opening times in August are to be advised pending government guidance.

Alongside the London exhibition there will also be exhibitions at Forestry England sites across the UK including outdoors at Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, from 28 June –19 September and Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Dorset, from 4 October –19 December, and indoors at Grizedale, Cumbria from 20 December 2021 - 24 April 2022.

Each of the competition’s five categories will have its own winner, who will receive a prize of £250 and there will be an award for the best short film. A First Prize will be awarded to one outstanding photographer at an awards ceremony and panel discussion hosted by the Society on 19 August.

The Earth Photo competition is supported by the Sun Institute for the delivery of courses and workshops, and by Land Rover who have supported the Society’s fieldwork and expedition activities for more than 40 years, providing vehicles and expertise, funding, and training. In 2021, they have extended their support to include the Earth Photo competition and exhibition. 

The full shortlist can be viewed here.

Book your tickets to the exhibition at the Society. 

Fellows and members of the Society are invited to view the exhibition before the general public opening on 24 and 25 June. Tickets for these previews can be found here.