Lakeland Photography Competition Winner 2021
‘It was the
perfect setting’
Jonny Gios WinnerLakeland Photography Competition
Headshot of Jonny Gios, The Lakeland Photography Competition 2021 Winner
Since its birth in 2013, the Lakeland Photography Prize has grown to become the biggest annual Lake District photography competition.
One Lake District meets 2021 winner Jonny Gios to find out what went into his winning snap and why the Lakes is so special to him.
Kendal-based Jonny first developed his penchant for photography when he was just 16 years old. He was working his first job in the marketing and editorial departments at the Manchester Evening News.
“I was working closely with editors, photographers, and marketing specialists,” explained Jonny. “The 1996 Manchester Bombing happened during my time at the newspaper and I saw lots of photos, both published and not, from the scene. Seeing such images cemented how important pictures are in telling a story, and I became really engaged with editorial photography and images and their impact on advertising.”
On leaving the Evening News, Jonny went to train as a graphic designer at City College Manchester and later joined Nazarene Bible College where he trained as a youth worker. He moved to Cumbria in 2001 and worked on the Raffles estate for 10 years before moving to Kendal in 2011 as a community worker.
“I worked as a youth worker in Cumbria for 10 years before becoming an ordained minister,” continued Jonny. “I would always use photos and graphic design as tools during my community work, whether in a school assembly, in a service or to aid with a particular youth outreach project. I’ve continued to use these skills in my role as a community worker for the Methodist church. In the last four years, I’ve taken photography more seriously.”
Jonny’s Kendal base means he is on the doorstep of the Lake District and all its glorious landscapes:
“It’s such an amazing part of the world,” he noted. “I try to get out every week, even if it’s raining, as it has so much benefit on my mental health. I work a stressful job so getting out and about in nature with my camera is a release. I can spend time on my own and really reflect. My comfort zone is definitely landscape photography, but I also love taking pictures of nature and wildlife.”
During lockdown, Jonny was restricted on where he could shoot but took advantage of the local area.
“The River Kent is five minutes from my house so I headed out and shot some Kingfishers. Lockdown made me realise how beneficial photography is; when I post an image it helps others who may be lonely and isolated at home. If any of my photos can bring joy and happiness to anyone, even for a moment, it’s worth it.”
Jonny’s winning photograph was a magnificent view of Derwentwater in Keswick, shot on a Panasonic Lumix G85 camera.
“I went to the lake at around 6 am on a summer morning after checking the weather forecast, which I always do ahead of a shoot; I knew it was due to be a glorious morning with a big, bright sun. I sat with my camera waiting for the sun to break. The mist on the lake was so still and I could see the glow over Catbells; it was the perfect setting, with the mist layered in just the right place under the boathouse.
“At the time Derwentwater was suffering from green algae so I was conscious not to go into the water and I didn’t want the algae to show in the image.
“There are loads of classic Lake District photographs online so I enjoy going off the beaten path when I can while staying within the parameters of the National Park. I like to try and get different compositions and angles to give my photography a unique element.
“The Lake District looks very different in each season, too, so you can get very different shots all year round.
“My favourite place to shoot is Blea Tarn in the Langdales; it’s so peaceful and quiet, and while it’s a classic setting I get different pictures every time I go.”
For more details and full results from the Lakeland Photography Prize 2021 check out onelakedistrict.co.uk
Check out Jonny’s work on his website
Alex Robinson
Freelance Journalist
Jonny Gio’s Winner Photography - Lakeland Photography Competition 2021
Derwentwater Mist
Jonny Gio’s winning photography can be found in his Lake District 2022 Calendar.
Check out more of Jonny Gio’s Lakeland Photography below
