Entitled Birdscape, June Sharpe’s delicate photograph of layered branches of a conifer, which according to the winning photographer resemble “dancing cranes often featured in Japanese woodcuts”.
According to the head judge Tyrone McGlinchey, “When judging pictures we are hoping to be embraced, and taken on a journey, within a story. June’s picture delivers. There is an abundance of interest and depth which fires the imagination. The soft, new growth transforming between plant and feathers – it is both enticing and enchanting. We are pulled into and beyond the symbolic dancing cranes, and embraced by their ‘wings’, to a place of hope and peace. It is rare that one can connect with nature and feel such compassion.”
“Now, more than ever, it is vitally important to connect with nature and highlight the beauty and fragility of our planet’s ecosystems. The International Garden Photographer of the Year competition does just that and, in doing so, attracts vast numbers of stunningly beautiful and inspirational entries. Being awarded the title of Overall Winner is an enormous and totally unexpected privilege” said Sharpe.
Sharpe will receive £4,000 and her winning photo, along with the other winning entires will feature at the IGPOTY exhibition at Kew Gardens from the 3rd of February until the 10th of March 2024.
The International Garden Photographer of the Year is one of the world’s premier garden and plant photography competitions. To see all the winning entries from the main categories, we refer you to the results of the IGPOTY 17 competition.