Best Photographer

For Shaun Lowe, a two-time winner as Best Photographer, there’s pleasure in experimenting with new techniques and subjects. This year, the self-taught artist started shooting more portraits, even a few weddings, but he hasn’t abandoned his ethereal photos of the natural world. Lowe, who started photography as a hobby, also had his first solo exhibition at Argyle Fine Art last September. “I’m always learning,” he says. “But I always aim to create images that make people take a second look, form an opinion or provoke them. I’m always surprised and excited when people have that reaction to my work.”

1st runner-up Josh Webb

2nd runner-up Chris Smith