If I could distil my photography into one image, it would be Jurassic World, so I’m thrilled it was recognised by the judges at the Natural Landscape Photography Awards. It’s busy, chaotic, unplanned and instinctive — exactly how I see a woodland. I love using shape, form and atmosphere to tame that chaos into something coherent.

​

The story behind the image is also memorable, though perhaps for the wrong reasons. This woodland is not only a long drive from home but also a solid hike from the car park, so an early start was essential. I’d already missed a beautiful sunrise and lost my photo mate Simon along the way, only to arrive at a mist-free forest despite a forecast promising dense fog.

​

I spent an hour rock-hopping and scouting for compositions, trying to make the best of the conditions. Dartmoor is popular with wild campers, and sometimes you find… evidence of their visits. Unfortunately, while clambering over the rocks, I slipped and fell into “exhibit A”.

At this point it felt the universe was saying go home, and I was trudging out in defeat (and disgrace) when suddenly the sun broke through the canopy in a way I’ve never seen before. The whole scene came alive with light and atmosphere.

Shooting one-handed — for reasons you can probably imagine — I captured Jurassic World.

​