Photography Competition 2024

Photo Competition 2024! – Deadline for entries, Sunday 26th May at midnight.

This years photography competition is officially open! The two themes are:

Roots and Branches: what beauty of trees can you capture in Strathglass and Glen Urquhart. This theme is open to all residents, including amateur and professional photographers. Under 18’s and Adult categories. Guidance:

  • Ancient Trees: Photograph the oldest trees in the area, showcasing their majestic presence.
  • Intertwined Canopies: Capture the intricate patterns formed by overlapping branches.
  • Wildlife Habitats: Showcase how trees provide shelter and food for wildlife.
  • Textures and Patterns: Focus on the intricate textures of bark and leaf patterns.
  • Reflections in Water: Capture trees reflected in the calm waters of lochs or rivers.
  • Silhouettes at Sunset: Capturing tree silhouettes against colourful sunsets.

 

 

Smiley Faces in Unexpected Places: what smiles can you capture in Strathglass and Glen Urquhart. This theme is open to all residents who are amateur photographers. Under 18’s and Adult categories. Guidance:

  • Natural Formations: Look for rock formations or patterns in nature that resemble smiles.
  • Animal Expressions: Photographs of animals that appear to be smiling or exhibiting joyful expressions.
  • Architectural Details: Search for architectural elements like windows, doors, or decorations that resemble smiles.
  • Plant Life: Capture the curvature of flowers or the arrangement of leaves that resemble smiles.
  • Reflections: Look for reflections on water surfaces or shiny objects that resemble smiles.
  • Inanimate Objects: Photographs of objects or structures with designs or arrangements that create the illusion of a smile.

Prizes:

New prize for 2024! Winners in each category and age group will receive a 20×16 inch (portrait or landscape) canvas of their winning photograph from Max Spielmann in Inverness.

Winners in each theme and category will also receive an individual voucher prize worth £50 to spend in their preferred local business. They will also nominate £100 to a Strathglass or Glen Urquhart based group, club, or charity of their choice. Only groups applicable to apply for our grants are eligible for nomination.

All runners up will receive an 8×6 inch print of their photograph from Max Spielman.

Bonus Draw – Soirbheas members will be entered into a draw for a £25 prize voucher to spend in their preferred local business. This will be drawn at the Soirbheas AGM on Thursday 27th June 2024, at Balnain Hall, Glenurquhart. All members are cordially invited, please arrive for refreshments from 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start.

All entries will be considered to produce a Soirbheas calendar for year 2025.

Please fill out the online Entry Form, or fill out the Word version and e-mail/print and scan it to Kara at [email protected]

Competition Rules:

  1. The photograph must have been taken by the entrant in Glen Urquhart or Strathglass since June 2023.
  2. Entrants must live in Glen Urquhart or Strathglass.
  3. Exceptions will be granted under the following circumstances:
    • Participants who attend school in the area but do not reside in the area.
    • Any other exceptional circumstances deemed appropriate by the Board – please contact [email protected]
  4. Entrants under the age of 16 years need to have parent or guardian consent to enter.
  5. Entries from professional and amateur photographers will only be accepted in Theme 1.
  6. Entries can be portrait, landscape or cropped.
  7. Photos can be colour or black/white.
  8. Each entrant can enter up to 2 images, one for each theme. Except for professional photographers who can only enter one photo in Theme 1.
  9. Entries should be submitted by email to [email protected]
  10. Entries must be in JPEG format and no larger than 6MB.
  11. All entries must be previously unpublished photographs and not have been entered in any other photography competition.
  12. It is the responsibility of each entrant to ensure that any images they submit have been taken with the consent of anyone who is identifiable or owns any property in that image. In addition, where an entrant is under 16 parental/guardian consent is required. Entrants confirm that they have been advised of the purpose of the submission and that the photograph may be used on the Soirbheas website and other promotional or marketing materials. Photographer’s work will be credited if used for merchandise. Entry forms will be kept for a period of three years and not used for any purpose out with the scope of the competition.
  13. Photos should be appealing and original. Any images that are felt to be inappropriate, cause offence or do not fall within the stated themes will not be included in the competition.
  14. Deadline for entries – Sunday 26th May at midnight.
  15. In the event of a tie-break in the community vote, the Soirbheas Board will decide on the overall winner.
  16. To ensure the viability and competitiveness of the photography competition, a minimum threshold of 40 applicants (including adult and under 18 entries) for each category must be met. If the number of applicants falls below the threshold for each category, the photography competition for that category will not proceed. Participants will be promptly notified if the competition does not proceed due to insufficient entries in a particular category. The Soirbheas Board reserves the right to make exceptions to this rule under exceptional circumstances, at their discretion.
  17. The competition deadline may be extended based on the number of entries received, ensuring sufficient participation.