- Newlands photographer Patrick Ryan has been nominated for the prestigious Weather Photographer of the Year competition with his image of firefighters battling a wildfire.
- Ryan, who has spent over a decade capturing wildfires, trained with firefighters to get the perfect shot.
- His photo highlights the dangers of wildfires and the impact of climate change, bringing global recognition to his work.
Newlands photographer Patrick Ryan has captured wildfires in an image that’s earned him a spot in the prestigious Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year international competition, organised by the Royal Meteorological Society in the United Kingdom (UK).
Ryan impressed the judges with a dramatic image of firefighters tackling a wildfire, just as the fire went out of control, forcing the firefighters to flee. He went to the extraordinary length of training and embedding with a firefighting team in order to capture this image.
Devil’s Peak fire
Ryan’s journey into photography began unexpectedly in 2009 when he witnessed a raging fire on Devil’s Peak.
Compelled to capture the moment, he grabbed his camera and began documenting the firefighters’ bravery. This experience sparked a passion for wildfire photography and led him to join the Volunteer Wildfire Services and for six months was trained with them.
For over a decade, Ryan has risked life and limb to document the intense battles between firefighters and infernos.
“This image speaks to the work I do and the impact of climate change,” Ryan explains.
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“It’s a photograph of firefighters backing away from a fire that’s extremely dangerous. I had to capture the moment when they were getting overwhelmed.”
Challenges
Shot on a Sony Alpha A7-5 camera with a lens that tells a story, Ryan’s image conveys the intensity and danger of wildfires. His expertise and training allow him to navigate treacherous terrain and capture moments that would be impossible for others.
“My challenges in my line of work are safety, being able to get into position, and understanding the environment,” Ryan admits. “But my training and experience enable me to look after myself and get the shot.”
As Ryan awaits the competition results on Monday 30 October, he’s working on publishing a photographic book documenting his journey capturing wildfires. The project, started in 2011, aims to raise awareness about climate change and its devastating effects.
“Understanding your passion and what you’re good at is crucial,” Ryan advises aspiring photographers.
“If you don’t have passion, you won’t bring the photo to life. With weather-related photography, find an angle, get trained, and prioritise safety.”
Ryan’s recognition in the competition has generated significant interest in his work. As the world grapples with climate change, his photographs serve as a reminder of the importance of environmental awareness.
- Vote for Ryan here. Public voting lines are open until Thursday 17 October.
