Somerset photographer wins award with ‘holy grail’ shot

By Louis InglisBBC News

Josh Dury

To take the winning photo, Mr Dury arrived at the Callanish stones at sunrise

A Somerset photographer has won the Historic Photographer of the Year Award 2023, reigniting his passion and career in the art.

Josh Dury’s photo of the Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, claimed the top spot in the overall winner category.

Mr Dury, 26, explained that he took the photo on a trip to the Scottish island in 2022, and that he had almost given up completely as a photographer.

Josh Dury

Several sponsorship opportunities have since opened up for Mr Dury

“It was the first time I had picked up my camera in about six months,” he said.

“I was on a ferry in the Outer Hebrides when I looked at the weather forecast and the skies were supposed to be clear.

“It was around five in the morning when I went there with the intention to capture a pretty sunrise.”

Since winning the competition, Mr Dury says he has been approached for a number of sponsorships from camera equipment companies, which has opened the way for a full-time career in photography.

The Historic Photographer of the Year Award is a partnership between HistoryHit and Historic England.

Entries are judged by a panel of five judges based on their originality, composition and technical proficiency, alongside the history behind the image.

Josh Dury

Josh Dury is from Chew Valley, Somerset and has been recognised for his photos of the night sky above famous landmarks, such as Glastonbury Tor

The Callanish Stones were built during the Neolithic Period – around 4,100-2,500BC – and were a centre of religious activity for more than a millennia in prehistoric Britain.

Mr Dury said: “As the sun rose hitting the mist, it just went wild, creating silhouetted projections across the stones.

“With the grand appearance of the stones it looked like a crown. It had to be called The Majesty of the Stones.”

Founder and director of HistoryHit Dan Snow was judging the photography competition.

He said: “Standing stones at sunrise with a gentle mist rising? That’s the holy grail for historical photography. Absolute perfection.”

Josh Dury

Mr Dury’s photo of the Milky Way above the Callanish Stones was shortisted for a prestigious astrophotography competition

Josh Dury’s background is in astrophotography and he was also recently shortlisted for a prestigious award in this field, for another photo taken of the Callanish stones.

Mr Dury has also been working in partnership with his native Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to protect the night sky from light pollution.