Earth Photo showcases the very best in geographical and environmental visual media and how it can better connect us with the world by telling stories and encouraging discussion about our planet, its inhabitants and our treatment of both.
Developed in partnership with Forestry England, Earth Photo aims to enable a better understanding of the world around us through the complementary disciplines of the environment and geography. Amateur and professional photographers of all ages are invited to submit up to 10 photographs or films that focus on the key themes of People, Place, Nature, Changing Forests and A Climate of Change.
2021 shortlist and exhibition
A judging panel made up of experts from the fields of photography, film, geography and the environment have selected the 2021 shortlist comprising 55 photos and videos by 36 artists.
View the shortlist
The works will be displayed in our Pavilion from 26 July to 25 August.
Entry is free and tickets must be pre-booked for accompanied curated tours on 26 and 27 July (from 11.00am to 12.30pm and 3.00pm to 4.30pm). Opening times in August are to be advised pending government guidance.
Book your ticket
If you are a member or Fellow of the Society, you can preview the exhibition on 19 and 20 July.
Book your preview ticket
Three further exhibitions will take place at Forestry England venues Dalby Forest (28 June to 19 September); Moors Valley (4 October to 19 December) and Grizedale (20 December 2021 to 24 April 2022).
2020 competition winners
Overall winner
The winner of the 2020 Earth Photo competition is Jonk for his stunning series Coffee Shop, Abkhazia region of Georgia; Hotel, Portugal; Swimming Pool, Italy and Theater, Abkhazia region of Georgia, which depict abandoned spaces reclaimed by nature. The group of images also won the competition’s Place category. Visit his website for more information.
Jonk is a freelance self-taught photographer whose work focusses on humans and their relationship with nature. His images are taken to raise awareness of the ecological crisis facing humanity. Fascinated by abandoned places reclaimed by nature, in 2018 he published Naturalia: A Chronicle of Contemporary Ruins which asks the fundamental question: What is the place of humans on Earth and their relationship with nature?
Far from being pessimistic, and at a time when human domination of nature has never been so extreme, these images aim to awaken our ecological consciousness. Nature is stronger, so whatever happens to humans, nature will always be there.
Coffee Shop, Abkhazia region of Georgia by Jonk (2019)
Hotel, Portugal by Jonk (2019)
Swimming Pool, Italy by Jonk (2019)
Theater, Abkhazia region of Georgia by Jonk (2019)
Earth Photo competition is run in partnership with: