WINNERS GALLERY

Crashing waves in the North Sea, UK. "Seascapes are a photographic passion of mine, whether wild, calm, or anything between," says photographer Mike Spencer. "Wintertime is best for big swells and storms and I constantly monitor the charts to spot potential photo opportunities. This particular January week was showing clear calm conditions with a good swell period. I love the ‘golden hour’, especially early morning, when there may be the bonus of mist. The North Sea coast of the UK is perfect for sunrises. This picture was taken about an hour after sun-up and the sea state was calm. Sets were quite spacious so I waited, having noted that the offshore wind was increasing. Then, a bit like buses, you wait for ages then three come at once - three breaking peaks in this case. With the mist rolling off the fields and over the cliff edges in the background my image was captured. Time to put my wetsuit on and grab my board – happy in the knowledge that I may just have ‘something’!"