A photo taken at Uppingham's annual Fatstock Show has been nominated for the People's Choice category of the international Travel Photographer of the Year Award (TPOTY).

Captured by South Luffenham photographer Andrew James, the image features in a line-up of 100 photos selected from the 2019 TPOTY finalists.

The prestigious competition attracts more than 20,000 entries annually in a wide range of themed categories.

Entrants include amateur, semi-professional and professional photographers from more than 140 countries, and reflects the great diversity of travel photography.

"It's always nice to get shortlisted as the standard of the TPOTY competition is so high," explains Andrew.

"Ironically, this particular shot was only taken down the road from my office in Uppingham, although the photo I won a category with last year was taken in Antarctica, so I guess when you average them out I've still travelled a long way!"

Andrew's winning photo in the Hot/Cold category of the 2018 Travel Photographer of the Year Award was of an elephant seal and gentoo penguin. 

TPOTY winning images receive global media coverage and feature in exhibitions around the world, including one held in London's South Bank this year, where they are seen by more than two million people. 

"I've always loved photography and I try to capture photos in my own distinct style.

"When they get noticed in a competition as popular as TPOTY, it is a real honour," says Andrew. 

"This particular image was a moment when all the right elements came together.

"It is quite a funny shot and that's what appealed to the judges I think, because comedy is hard to capture in a photo.

"Now we'll see whether the people voting share my sense of humour!"

Andrew's passion for photography began as a hobby when he was a journalist and led him to become the Editor of Practical Photography magazine for 13 years.

He still writes for international photography magazine Digital Camera, but now runs his own business, inspiring photography enthusiasts around the world through lectures, workshops and www.foto-buzz.com, an online learning community for photographers of all abilities. 

Andrew is also a specialist leader for Natural World Safaris photo expeditions to destinations including Russia, Arctic, Greenland and Africa.

The People's Choice category of the Travel Photographer of the Year Award will be decided by public vote. 

You can see Andrew's Fatstock image and the category's other candidates by clicking on the red button below.

Voting closes at 5pm on 16 January 2020 and The TPOTY 2019 winning images will be announced on 21 January. 

If you would like to purchase a print of Andrew's TPOTY-nominated Fatstock image visit www.andrewjamesmedia.co.uk or email [email protected].