"The first time I realised the potential of photography was on a trip to Rudyard near Leek in the Peak District. We stayed in a hotel next to the Rudyard reservoir and spent part of the evening exploring the reservoir.
I didn't have a camera at the time or my (Android) phone on me, so I used my Dad's iPhone. The sunset was perfect and it was a nice warm evening, the lake was illuminated with the warm colours of the sunset. Using the phone I managed to capture this inspirational view. I think it was these photos which kicked off my photography journey.
I started taking photographs in 2017, then began thinking about compositions and editing in 2018. I took my phone everywhere, ready to capture the highlights of the summer. I took all sorts of pictures from cliff railways to the views of a sunset from a ferry.
In 2019 I used a Canon SX420IS bridge camera. This was a brilliant way to begin thinking about camera modes and basic settings. During that summer I took two photos of a beach during a summer sunset which won a competition at my secondary school. This gave my favourite hobby a boost.
Landscape photography is great for wellbeing. It provides a reason for being outdoors whenever possible. Watching sunsets is the most inspiring activity, and being able to capture that moment with my camera is such a great way to spend as many evenings as possible."
Then COVID happened, which allowed me to spend lots of time working on photography throughout the many months of lockdowns. I completed a GCSE course in photography in 2021 and by that point had taken thousands of photos and started building a portfolio.
Finally, after finishing secondary school in June 2021 I have become even more passionate about the hobby, moving out of auto settings and always using manual mode to take RAW photos, each of which is carefully and accurately edited to a chosen style.
Photography, and landscape photography in particular, is great for wellbeing. It provides a reason for being outdoors whenever possible. Watching sunsets is the most inspiring and rewarding activity, and being able to capture that moment with my camera is such a great way to spend as many evenings as possible.
YLPOTY felt like a massive achievement. I couldn't believe my work was being published in a book and being featured in an exhibition all around the UK"
I now use a Canon EOS M50, which I purchased in October 2021. Turns out the jump from a mirrored DSLR to a mirroless camera is bigger than I thought! However it is well worth it and now means I can take my small and lighter camera into more unusual locations.
This has allowed for me to have my camera on me more often and carry it into new situations, such as on my recent trip to London to look at the LPOTY exhibition. I was able to carry my camera around and place it into my small bag if I needed to, something I probably wouldn't have done with my large DSLR. I tried some urban landscape photography and found some unique compositions.
In terms of the journey throughout the landscape photographer of the year competition, I would describe my journey in Young Landscape Photographer of the Year as an outstandingly great experience. It even provided a reason to take my camera to London.
I entered in early 2021, not expecting to hear anything due to the size of the competition, then I recieved the email about my photo being shortlisted and then being highly commened. This felt like a massive achievement and I could not believe my work was being published in a book and being featured in an exhibition all around the UK.
The day I heard the LPOTY book had been released I went to Waterstones and found it. There it was - my photo in a book.
That day was amazing and I am sure it will be something I will always remember. The LPOTY 2021 collection book is now proudly sitting on display in my room featuring one of my photos.
The day I heard the LPOTY book had been released I went to Waterstones and found it. There it was – my photo in a book."
I took my commended photograph on a short trip to Hunstanton. Not much had reopened after COVID, especially as it was still early in the year.
The shut funfair scenes provided an opportunity for some unusual photography. I carefully positioned myself so the scene had an abandoned look to it and then took the photo.
To any young people thinking of taking up photography, I would say to definitely do it. There will be a day when you take a photo and look at it and think "Wow, I cannot believe I just took that". And that feeling just keeps getting better.
That day for me was at least four years ago, but it is still a day I am very grateful for. Many people say the first 10,000 photos are always the worst, but I think they are the most rewarding and provide the best confidence boost. Some photos will not be great but the few that are great will outweigh all those which were not, and will make all the hours spent holding a camera worth it.
There will be a day when you take a photo and look at it and think "Wow, I cannot believe I just took that". And that feeling just keeps getting better."
About Bodhi and Young Landscape Photographer of the Year
Bodhi Trafford was commended in Black and White, Young Landscape Photographer of the Year 2021. Bodhi's image, Covid Ground, is included in the Collection 14 book.
Follow Bodhi on Instagram @bodhi.t_photos
Young Landscape Photographer Of The Year is open to everyone aged 18 or under.
Running alongside the adult competition, this annual award showcases some of the most talented upcoming landscape photographers.
Discover more commended and winning images from the youth competition.
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