The Royal Meteorological Society showcased a vibrant snapshot from the 2022 Aerial Photographer of the Year competition shortlist, highlighting a standout entry by Brocken Ghost as part of a global call for striking weather imagery. This event drew participation from photographers across continents, all eager to pair their weather observations with compelling visual storytelling. A rotating panel of judges, drawing on expertise from meteorology and photography, evaluated the submissions, weighing factors such as composition, atmospheric conditions, and the ability to convey a weather-driven narrative. Public voting opened to the wider community, inviting enthusiasts and professionals alike to select their favorite shot, with the final winners slated for announcement in early October. The contest continues to celebrate how weather and landscape intersect, producing images that educate, inspire, and spark conversation about climate, sky drama, and the science behind atmospheric phenomena. [Citation: Royal Meteorological Society 2022 shortlist coverage]
One prominent image captures the Brocken Ghost above Tavert Cliff near Barcelona in June 2021. The Brocken Ghost is a dramatic optical effect where a large observer’s shadow appears to descend through clouds or fog, often accompanied by halo-like rainbow rings that can shift with the movement of the cloud layer. The phenomenon occurs when the sun is behind the observer, projecting a shadow forward into the mist. While natural shadows from hills, buildings, or aircraft can create similar silhouettes, this particular photograph stood out for its scale and the eerie, almost otherworldly mood it conveyed. The image was taken by Emily Vilamala Benito, a self-taught photographer whose work demonstrates how careful positioning, timing, and light interaction can transform a simple landscape into a powerful meteorological tableau. The scene invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between sun, shadow, and cloud, and to consider how weather photography blends scientific insight with creative interpretation. [Citation: Royal Meteorological Society 2022 shortlist coverage]
The wider narrative around the Brocken Ghost and related aerial weather photography underscores how observers can become part of the weather story itself. Photographers harness subtleties in light and atmosphere to reveal patterns that often go unseen by casual observers, from fleeting halos to shadow projections cast across fog and mist. The contest corridors emphasize not only technical skill but also the ability to tell a story that connects viewers to climate phenomena, atmospheric optics, and the environment in which these events unfold. In this context, the 2022 shortlist serves as a testament to the skill of modern weather photography, showing that a single image can communicate both aesthetic beauty and scientific curiosity. The acclaim surrounding these images helps raise public awareness about meteorology and its visual language, encouraging aspiring shooters to explore light, air, and scale with intention. [Citation: Royal Meteorological Society 2022 shortlist coverage]