February 1, 2009

Children’s photo competition January 2009

Young people show their talent for travel photography with a shortlist of shots capturing epic landscapes and quirky street scenes

Kanderstag, Swiss Alps — The winning picture by Jago Thornton, aged 13 “Runner in the Swiss Alps”
Our judge, Tom Humpage says: “I love the scene of adventure and discovery in such a beautifully secluded place. With the lone tree and child as a point of focus in that bright foreground against the dramatic yet muted cliffs in the background, it creates an essence of mystery and excitement. This image inspires me and opens my eyes to beauty and scenery to be discovered in and around these mountains.” Photograph: Jago Thornton/guardian.co.uk

New York — Second prize: Spike Aylward “New York”
Our judge, Tom Humpage, says: “The image is so striking, it shows great use of shape, structure and a unique composition. I feel this image captures one of New York’s iconic city symbols and instantly relates that to the viewer” Photograph: Spike Aylward/guardian.co.uk

Weston-Super-mare — Third place - Leon Mayne, aged 8 “Weston-super-Mare”
Our judge, Tom Humpage, says: “Leon Mayne’s picture has real depth and detail yet still manages to focus on a unique moment of a child’s joy on a UK beach holiday. This image has great composition and colour and has framed the jetty wonderfully with its sweeping curve filling the lower of the frame with the horizon and sky contrasting the top of the images. This is a really great reportage image that captured a real holiday moment”. Photograph: Leon Mayne/guardian.co.uk

Kitsilano, Vancouver — Kitsilano, Vancouver by Alice Edwins, age 15: "I loved the way the city managed look so small in comparison to it's surroundings. Instead of dominating and spoiling the environment, it almost blends into the setting. No other city has such a magnificent, breathtaking backdrop." Photograph: Alice Edwins/guardian.co.uk

The Isles of Scilly — The Isles of Scilly by Pipp Grossett, age 12: "These Islands will change your life. You will never forget the sun drenched beaches of the Eastern Isles." Photograph: Pippa Grossett/guardian.co.uk

Alcudia, Mallorca — Alcudia, Mallorca by Alice McMillan, aged 11: "This might just seem like the same old holiday spot but believe me its much more. It has got nice people, great entertainment, lovely food and amazing places to go. So if you want to go to a place where you can relax, enjoy and have the time of your life, then Alcudia is the place for you." Photograph: Alice McMillan/guardian.co.uk

Seaton, East Devon — Seaton, East Devon by Archie Scott, aged 11: "Seaton is really beautiful and has a beach which is never the same two days running. One day it's pebbly and the next it's sandy. There is so much stuff to do, such as flying kites and crabbing!" Photograph: Archie Scott/guardian.co.uk

Ocho Rios, Jamaica — Ocho Rios, Jamaica by Chloe Jordan, aged 12: "It doesn’t get any more beautiful then this. Jamaica is a truly lovely island. A magical experience, definitely one to explore." Photograph: Chloe Jordan/guardian.co.uk

Lake Garda, Italy — Lake Garda, Italy by Asher Maxwell, aged 9: "I was on a tandem paraglider flight with my dad. At first it looks a bit like Google earth zooming in on a pretty Italian town where you can see the market, harbour, fort and beech from above, Then you notice my dads shoes!" Photograph: Asher Maxwell/guardian.co.uk

Thorntons Beach, Australia — Thorntons Beach, Australia by Sarah Foord, aged 12: "It really is 'Where the forest meets the sea'. The beach is backed by mountains and the mangroves are right on the beach. It was a most beautiful place." Photograph: Sarah Foord/guardian.co.uk

Embrun, France — Embrun, France by Charlotte Finden, aged 15: "The combination of features in the photo are almost typical of France's reputation and culture. This romantic country will fill your mind with inspiration." Photograph: Charlotte Finden/guardian.co.uk

Dovedale, Peak District — Dovedale, Peak District by Jon McGovern, aged 15: "Dovedale is a picturesque area. Its beautiful scenery attracts thousands of visitors every year. Its gigantic hills, deep-blue river and interesting wildlife all add to an experience that will stay with you forever." Photograph: Jon McGovern/guardian.co.uk

Tanzania — Tanzania by Tom Wilson, aged 14: "It was 4pm and this tree looked amazing as the sun went down behind the crater. You should go on safari at least once in your life; it’s a great opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat." Photograph: Tom Wilson/guardian.co.uk

Padley Gorge — Padley Gorge by Brad Mullins, aged 14: "Padley Gorge, in the Peak District, transports you into the secret world of an enchanted forest. It is a perfect, get away from it all, day out and is a must for any time of year." Photograph: Brad Mullins/guardian.co.uk

Tokyo bay — Tokyo bay by Katherine La Fleur, aged 16: "This sunset over Tokyo Bay shows the beauty of this usually bustling metropolis. When walking the non-stop city's streets, you would never guess that such a wonderful oasis exists." Photograph: Katherine La Fleur/guardian.co.uk

Lantic Bay — Lantic Bay by Jody Metcalfe, aged 14: "I like the movement of the wake on the bows. The sky is white, like most Cornish summers and the greens and browns represent the traditional coast land of Cornwall braking down to the treacherous slate rocks foaming with white horses." Photograph: Jody Metcalfe/guardian.co.uk

Vimy Ridge, France — Vimy Ridge, France by Angus Lashwood, aged 14: "The beams of sunlight make me think there's hope for the future. Inspirational." Photograph: Angua Lashwood/guardian.co.uk

Bryngarw country park, Wales — Bryngarw country park, Wales by Harriet Cuddihy, aged 11: "People should visit this park because there are lots of lovely walks and rivers and the scenery is wonderful. It also has a massive play park that me and my brother go to every time we are there." Photograph: Harriet Cuddihy/guardian.co.uk

Lake Bled, Slovenia — Lake Bled, Slovenia by Peter Curry, aged 12: " I call this picture 'fairytale' because, simply, it looks like one come to life." Photograph: Peter Curry/guardian.co.uk

Paragliding on the Markbachjoch Mountain in Austria — Paragliding on the Markbachjoch Mountain in Austria by Thomas Clarke, aged 11: "The mountains are great: paragliding; perfect lakes for swimming; ideal countryside for riding bikes and ponies. It’s so beautiful, you can see the alps for miles." Photograph: Thomas Clarke/guardian.co.uk

La Goulette, Tunisia — La Goulette, Tunisia by Trish Jarrett, aged 15: "Tunisia isn't just a "holiday destination", it's an experience. Markets with assertive sellers and beautiful, historical Carthage - in the four hours I spent there, I realised this place was like nowhere I had ever been before." Photograph: Trish Jarrett/guardian.co.uk

Zichron Ya’akov, Israel — Zichron Ya’akov in Israel by Jessica Lichtenstern, aged : "This photo was taken at about 5pm in mid-December. It was taken at the beach Nahsholim. I think it should be visited because the sea is so beautiful and the sunsets are amazing. Photograph: Jessica Lichtenstern/guardian.co.uk

Peak District — Peak District by Maya Eadie-Catling, aged 11: "Why go overseas when you can have the same amount of fun, just by jumping on a train and whizzing to the Peak District! It doesn’t matter what the weather’s like, it’s great all year round. Enjoy!" Photograph: Maya Eadie-Catling/guardian.co.uk

Hills in Clent — Katherine Gibson, age 10: These hills in Clent are incredibly beautiful. There are lots of nice paths and some really GREAT photo opportunities. All in all, a lovely Photograph: Katherine Gibson/guardian.co.uk

Les Menuires — Rob Ginty, age 14: I took this photo with my Nikon coolpix on my school ski trip to Les Menuires. It was a perfect day. Bright sun, blue sky, white snow and great boarding. Sweet holiday. Photograph: Rob Ginty/guardian.co.uk

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