Winners of AMAZON photography competition

To coincide with our 'AMAZON' exhibition at London's Somerset House we also ran a photo competition, encouraging people to go out into their local environment and take pictures that reflect their take on the theme of ‘Your Own Amazon’.

With over 180 entries, selecting a winner was a real challenge. But Stuart Thomson, 27, was finally awarded the top prize of a digital SLR camera for his striking image, shown here. He said:

I was surrounded by the most beautiful light I had ever seen, and even though I am happy with the outcome, the reality was just that much more breathtaking.”

WWF’s photographic and film manager, Greg Armfield, said of the winning image:

A beautiful, rich and striking picture. The colours and detail make this image. The warm glow of the sunshine on the lower reaches of the mountain contrast vividly with the icy blue as we climb the mountains slopes. Excellent.”

Four runners up were also awarded the exceptional opportunity to display their images at Somerset House for the final week of the 'AMAZON' exhibition. The images and judge's comments are featured below.

Aston Ward - 1^st Runner Up

The Long Walk, Windsor, UK

Judge's Comment: A gorgeous, autumnal shot of a tree lined avenue. The red, oranges and yellows help to create a sumptuous feast of colour and texture.

Photographer's Comment: The lines drawn by the trees either side directed my eye all the way to the end and the small area of light at the end of the tunnel, I couldn't get over just how vibrant the colours of the leaves were.

Lucy Cork - 2^nd Runner Up

Black Park, South Buckinghamshire, UK

Judge's Comment: This image is all about atmosphere. The rays of sunlight filtering through the pine trees create a dynamic tension between light and dark.

Photographer's Comment: I know the pathways like the back of my hand, but the trees are ever-changing and on this day I saw the forest as I've never seen it before. There was a sort of celestial light twinkling through the trees, lighting the moist undergrowth from above and creating layer upon layer of shadow.

David Butler - 3^rd Runner Up

Ridgewood, New Jersey, USA

Judge's comment: Beautiful autumnal colours pervade this image as sunlight bathes the scene.

Photographer's Comment: For me this photo shows that you can find a beautiful shot almost anywhere, and when you least expect it. It shows that local parks and nature reserves are just as important as any other.

Pete Casey - 4^th Runner Up

Amazon jungle, Brazil

Judge's comment: A lush, tropical shot of a capuchin monkey. The warmth of the sunshine and brightness of the monkey's face is perfectly captured.

Photographer's Comment: A Capuchin Monkey stays cool protected from the scorching Amazonian midday sun surrounded by lush green tropical jungle.

You can check out all of the entries on the Sky Rainforest Rescue facebook page.