Landscape nominee

"Vanishing Titans" explores the stark beauty and impermanence of Earth’s glaciers, presenting them as monumental yet vulnerable forces of nature. Each image reveals the glaciers as sculptors of time, their intricate forms etched by millennia of movement and erosion. Yet, beneath their enduring presence lies a poignant fragility: an urgency reflected in their gradual retreat.

This series blends ethereal light and dramatic contrasts to portray these icy giants as both majestic and fleeting. Misty atmospheres and winding glacial flows invite viewers into a realm where the vastness of nature meets the quiet inevitability of change. The photographs capture the glaciers' immense scale, their textured surfaces, and their harmonious connection to the surrounding landscapes.

"Vanishing Titans" stands as a visual ode to the resilience and transience of glaciers. It challenges viewers to contemplate their own relationship with these ancient titans and the environmental forces that threaten them. Through these images, the series seeks to celebrate the glaciers’ grandeur while serving as a reminder of their delicate place in the ever-evolving story of our planet.

Scott McQuown is a seasoned geologist and geophysicist with nearly 40 years of experience. His passion for the outdoors led him to pursue geology, deepening his understanding of Earth’s processes and inspiring a lifelong love for mountain landscapes. Today, Scott channels his scientific expertise and creative vision into capturing the spirit of the mountains through photography.

Extensive travels to some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring mountain ranges have shaped Scott’s perspective and forged a profound connection to the natural world. Now based in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, he finds daily inspiration where solitude and dramatic beauty converge.

Scott’s geological expertise in borehole imaging mirrors the technical aspects of digital photography, particularly in analyzing intricate patterns and uncovering subtle details. This unique perspective informs his evocative images, celebrating the enduring spirit and rhythms of the mountains.

Scott’s photography has been exhibited internationally, including at Blank Wall Gallery in Athens and Valid World Hall in Barcelona. A finalist in the 2022 Digital Photo Magazine Black & White Photo Contest, his evocative imagery continues to earn recognition.