The Royal Meteorological Society launches the 2023 Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year

The Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year competition has opened for entries in 2023.

• The world’s most prestigious weather and climate photography competition
• A global showcase for weather and climate photography and photojournalism
• Shining a lens on the evolving nature of climate and weather, from an every-day, human perspective
• Free and open to all ages and photographic abilities
• Open for entries from Tuesday 25 April 2023
• Closing on Tuesday 27 June 2023 at 11.30PM BST

Now in its eighth year, the competition showcases the world’s most striking weather and climate photographs. It provides an international platform to raise awareness of the environmental issues putting our planet at risk, depicting the fragility and beauty of the world we need to protect.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. Its impact on the environment and human health significantly affects sustainable economic growth and the future of society.

The competition is open to photographers of all ages and abilities, including professionals and amateurs, and is completely free to enter.

Have you captured the ‘mother of pearl’ nacreous cloud in Scotland, witnessed the devasting floods in New Zealand, or experienced life on the frontline of the climate crisis? Whatever your story may be, the competition organisers want to see your photographs, whether it’s a serene day or a stormy one.

Tied to the Royal Meteorological Society’s mission, the annual competition is an important platform to raise awareness of the climate issues that face our natural world, as well as the stories and experiences which are close to our photographers’ hearts.

There are three categories to enter, including a dedicated Young Photographer category, which has been designed so that those under the age of 18 can also take part in the competition. We are proud that The Week Junior Science+Nature will continue supporting the youth category as a media partner this year.

This year’s esteemed judging panel is comprised of acclaimed photographers, 

meteorologists, climate experts and editors. Chaired by Professor Liz Bentley, CEO of the Royal Meteorologist Society, the seven experts in their respective fields will collaborate to select a shortlist of the most unique and technical images. To win, professional and amateur photographers must impress the judges with their originality, climate narrative power and weather perspective.  

The competition shortlist will be announced in August, then the public will have the chance to vote for their favourite photograph, and all winners will be announced on Thursday 5 October 2023.

Prof Liz Bentley, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, said:

“Photography is an accessible medium and carries with it the power to capture a moment, inspire change and convey a message that words alone cannot. With climate change and extreme weather events increasingly affecting our planet, the Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year provides a unique opportunity for people around the world to share their stories and inspire us all to take action. I cannot wait to see this year’s entries.”

Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer at Standard Chartered, said:

"We are proud to sponsor the Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year competition, which aims to raise further awareness of the impact of our warming climate and the threats posed by associated extreme weather events. This partnership between the Royal Meteorological Society and our bank is designed to encourage amateur and professional photographers alike to capture and document weather and climate around the world. I am truly excited to see the talent that will surface and hopefully foster action toward protecting our precious planet.”

The Royal Meteorological Society’s Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year exhibition tour will showcase the captivating work of the competition winners and short-listed photographs, before touring internationally to bring the beauty of the natural world to as wide an audience as possible. Along with a substantial cash prize for the Main Category winner, the short-listed photos will also feature in a limited-edition calendar, on digital platforms and across global media.

To enter, and for full details on competition rules and prizes visit: www.rmets.org/weather-photographer-of-the-year

Ends

For media enquiries, please contact: Angela Lovell, Communications Manager (Royal Meteorological Society), angela.lovell@rmets.org.uk

For media enquiries relating to Standard Chartered, please contact: Robbie Sommerville, Global Head of Sustainability Communications, robbie.sommerville@sc.com

Notes to Editors

Logos and high-res images from last year’s competition can be downloaded here.

About Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year:

Weather Photographer of the Year was founded by the Royal Meteorological Society in 2015. The Royal Meteorological Society joined forces with Standard Chartered this year to increase the global reach and profile of the competition to tell the climate story that sits behind every photo submitted.

Key dates

Entries open - Tuesday 25 April - Tuesday 27 June

Judging period - 28 June – 21 July

Shortlist for Main and Mobile Phone categories announced - Thursday, 24 August

Public voting period - 24 August – 24 September

All winners announced – Thursday, 5 October

About The Royal Meteorological Society

The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) is a membership charity that serves as the leading independent expert in weather and climate.  

The Society is owned by its membership but exists for the benefit of all. It plays a key role as the custodian of both the science and the profession of meteorology in the UK and has an important role to play internationally as one of the world’s largest meteorological societies. Programmes of work are broad and diverse, with activities and events held for members, the general public, educators, policy and decision-makers and the wider meteorological and climate community.

To find out more about the Royal Meteorological Society, discover a wealth of weather and climate resources, and become a member, please visit: rmets.org

About Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered is a leading international banking group, with a presence in 59 of the world’s most dynamic markets and serving clients in a further 64. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges.

About The Week Junior Science+Nature (Media Partner - Young Weather Photographer of the Year)

The Week Junior Science+Nature takes 8-15 year-olds on amazing voyages of discovery around the world’s wildest places. And now spring’s here, it’s the perfect time to get them out exploring their own amazing spaces. We inspire kids to discover the incredible natural world that’s bursting into life all around us – under stones, in ponds, growing in the garden… or your local park. Each issue is packed with astounding experiments and jaw-dropping facts to fuel your child’s thirst for knowledge and spark their sense of wonder. Learning has never been more fun.