Landscape Photographer of the Year was founded in 2006 by Charlie Waite, one of today’s most respected landscape photographers.

We’re all guilty of overlooking what’s on our doorstep, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to nature. Proof you don’t have to travel far to find stunning scenery, the annual Landscape Photographer of the Year competition celebrates wild views around us – and even cityscapes.

Entries for this year’s Landscape Photographer of the Year competition are now closed, under scrutiny of the judging panel with a £10,000 first prize up for grabs. All 2017 winners will be announced in November. But to help you get inspired, we’ve selected previous winning shots, and ask the founder, landscape photographer Charlie Waite, to share his tips.

1. Sunshine breaks through, Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire, England by Francis Taylor (Network Rail Award 2017).

If you are fortunate to have cloud interest, relating this to foreground detail can create a cohesive and pleasing whole. The main feature doesn’t always have to dominate the frame.

2. Gunnerside, North Yorkshire, England by Jon Martin.

Look for patterns and punctuation in the landscape, and make use of the shadows thrown by features such as walls. Rectangles, diagonals and squares are used here to fragment the frame in a balanced and pleasing way, and the mist subdues and conceals a background that would interfere with the simplicity of the scene.

3. Gateway to Autumn, New Forest National Park, Hampshire, England by Mik Dogherty (Commended 2016).

Photographers are fortunate that Britain benefits from seasonal variation, which provides a constantly changing palette. Unifying colours, such as these russet tones of autumn, create a strong image. The use of a device, in this case a gate, leads viewers on to explore the planes of the image and suggests the idea of moving into the wider world.

4. Shelter from the Storm, Loch Stack, Sutherland, Scotland by Dougie Cunningham (Category winner 2016).

Don’t always assume you need bright sunlight for landscapes. The weather is key to the mood of the final image and advance planning and patience are invaluable. Be prepared to wait for the optimum moment, especially in fast-changing conditions. Experiment with positioning and be brave with the point of focus; the “rule of thirds” can be broken and sometimes a central position is the best one.

5. Opium Poppies, Durweston, Dorset, England by Jake Turner (Commended 2016).

Consider subduing foreground detail by placing in shadow, which creates a platform on which the rest of the image can sit, giving a theatrical, stage-like effect. The “golden hour”, which occurs post-dawn and pre-dusk offers long shadows ideal for landscape photography.

Find out more at www.take-a-view.co.uk