And so, the day had arrived. Through months of anticipation and excitement built up through media and news coverage, Starman hit the big smoke, to the city of London and onwards to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich. Josh next to his installation, presenting his shortlisted image "The Enigma of the North" in the exhibition for The Astronomy Photographer of the Year (2023) at The National Maritime Museum. On the day itself, I had a lot of emotions. The experience brought back a lot of nostalgia for me. Having last been shortlisted for the competition back in 2017, with my image "Glastonbury Tor and the Double Flash". I had been invited to a tour of The Royal Observatory of Greenwich before proceeding on to The National Maritime Museum to view my shortlisted entry in this year's exhibition. Travel back in time to (2017 )when I was last shortlisted for The Astronomy Photographer of the Year. Photographed next to BBC Sky at Night Presenter, Chris Lintott. My shortlisted entry of that year "Glastonbury Tor and the Double Flash". When arriving to the National Maritime, I was awestruck to think I would be meeting some of the greats of the astrophotography community. It was here during the opening speeches that I saw my shortlisted image being presented. A massive moment for me, which made the experience all more real. Then, all shortlistees in attendance were invited to view the exhibition. "The Enigma of the North" presented in The Astronomy Photographer fo the Year Exhibition at The National Maritime Museum (2023). That moment. When you step around the corner and see your image being proudly displayed in the 'hall of fame', is a moment that really takes you back. When you see your image and think back to the story, which ultimately got shortlisted for this year's competition. Believing at the moment I took that photograph, 6-months had passed, thinking I would never pick up a camera again and then to believe that Callanish is what re-ignited my passion in connecting me with the stars. But I was not to expect the recognition it would obtain from both the media and the press. To having been interviewed on television, radio and even in print. Callanish started a real conversation about my astrophotography and it was not over yet. But most importantly, to lend thanks to the site of Callanish itself. An iconic stone circle that only few have been fortunate enough to travel to. Only to find that news had spread to the Isle of Lewis 'bringing the trophy home' to the islanders of Lewis. It was really emotional to think I have made their community and heritage, proud. Josh Photographed with some of the greats from this year's Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition (Left: Yuri Beletsky, Middle: Ed Bloomer, Right: Josh photographed with his print going on sale at the shop for Astronomy Photographer of the Year). So after meeting the shortlisted photographers, I had been invited to attend the podcast for the competition, where in groups we were able to discuss our work and what got us into Astrophotography. The whole experience was heightened when I saw my image being displayed in the shop for this year's competition and to meet one of my idol in the Astrophotography world, Yuri Beletsky. Josh's photograph printed in this year's photobook publication for Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023.

When I captured the photograph that went on to be remembered as "The Enigma of the North", never did I believe it would be recognised for such a prestigious photography competition, I never thought I would pick up a camera again... When finding out earlier this year from an email sent to my spam folder, never did I think my image of Callanish would make it to the Skyscapes Category of 1 in 15 images for the shortlisted category, and the 140 shortlisted images from over 4,000 submissions!! When fact became reality, I really was lost for words. But this was only the beginning... "The Enigma of the North" shortlisted for The Astornomy Photographer of the Year Competition in The Skyscapes Category. The link to the Royal Observatory Greenwich Website featuring my shortlisted image can be found here: Not only did the news hit my local newspapers, it reached Bristol, then ITV news, BBC One and then news travelled as far as where this all started. Callanish itself. I couldn't believe the recognition this image was given. I owe a lot to it, because if it wasn't for that moment at Callanish; braving my camera one final time, I wouldn't be here writing this and having the confidence to carry on. "The Enigma of the North" tells of a very emotional experience, to capture the image and the journey it has taken me on to rebuild myself as a recognised Astrophotographer in the field. The highlight for me has to be when summoned to BBC Broadcasting House in Bristol for my interview on BBC Points West. Something I have always wished to achieve and to voice this to the South-West really was a privilege. Josh on the Red Sofa with BBC Points West Presenter, David Garmston discussing his shortlisted image for the competition. Aired 14th September 2023. Check out the interview with BBC Points West below. On the 26th September, I have been invited to a private viewing of the event by The Royal Observatory of Greenwich, where I will be given a physical copy of the year's publication including my image alongside being featured in a podcast! So watch this space!

Hello! Thank you very much for taking your time to have a look at my all new website!! This is something I have been meaning to do for a long time since, when I created my first website, I was never really satisfied with the results. Images and portfolios were not displaying properly, there was never really any flexibility about how I wished to present my work, no shop functionality and all together, an overhaul was needed - and here it is! So here is some more of what you can begin to expect from both my website and blog. I wish for any of my followers and readers who have previously engaged with my content to see current and upcoming images with clarity. After all, these images I am hoping will create an immersive experience for you. Ultimately, as is the case for my Astrophotography work, I push hard to get the most out of my images to inspire others to look up and also consider the night-sky; to recognise why it is so magical not only in photography, but when looking up at our window to the cosmos. From time to time, I aim to posts updates here on upcoming talks, workshops and new opportunities which I am hopeful of. Also any interesting photography experiences that I may have or even better - to engage with fellow Photographers alike who wish to learn more about Astrophotography and a series of guides from capturing your images, to the end results. So I would like to thank you again for taking a look at my website. Please do have a browse, look through the portfolios and the shop if you feel like it! I really do hope you enjoy browsing as much as I did creating it. Here's to clear skies and all the best! Josh