We invite entries from around the world,
but for all categories, images must be taken in Scotland. The judges will be looking
for originality, creativity and technique.
The Photographic
Competition 2011 categories are as follows:
Scottish
Wildlife Category
In the Scottish
Wildlife category, we are looking for images of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Images can be of native, resident or migrant wild species. Wildlife subjects photographed
in a studio setting or a captive environment are not eligible. This year we have
divided the category into Wildlife Portrait
and Wildlife Behaviour. A Scottish Wildlife
category winner will be selected from the 2 subcategories.
-
Wildlife Portrait
As with human portraiture,
a wildlife portrait should convey the character and essence of the individual
or group.
- Wildlife Behaviour
An
opportunity for the photographer to share with the viewer what is often a fleeting
moment of behavioural display. The judges will look for images that combine behavioural
interest with aesthetic and technical considerations.
Scottish
Landscape Category
The Scottish Landscape category is
open to all aspects of landscape photography. The judges will be looking for an
image that shows Scottish landscape at its absolute finest. This year we have
divided the category into The Land,The
Sea & Coast and Urban Greenspace.
A Scottish Landscape category winner will be selected from the 3 subcategories.
-
The Land
Scotland's landscape offers many
"iconic" images. From rugged, remote mountains and lochs, to gently
rolling farmland and meandering rivers. Many landscapes have become so well known
largely because they are so attractive to photographers. The creative aim should
be to show new places and new slants on familiar places. Surprise and challenge
the judges with your interpretation of the land.
-
The Sea & Coast
Scotland has an extensive,
varied coastline - from sheer cliffs to seemingly infinite sandy beaches - not
to mention its many islands. Coastal landscapes and seascapes provide quintessential
images of Scotland.
- Urban Greenspace
In
Scotland, remote wild land is contrasted with busy centres of population. Nature
still thrives in our towns and cities and green spaces - e.g. parks, gardens,
woods, rivers and tow paths - are all key parts of the landscape. These green
spaces are widely accessible and provide vital opportunities for urban dwellers,
workers and visitors to engage with nature. The Scottish landscape isn't just
defined by untouched wilderness. Nature is where you live! The judges will be
looking for good landscape photography techniques to be applied in an innovative
way in the context of urban green space. NB. For the purposes of the competition,
we are loosely defining "urban" as populated areas ranging from large
village/small town communities to big cities. "Designed" landscapes
e.g. formal parks and urban architecture are fine as subject matter, but please
remember that the theme of this section is green space, so images of the built
environment should only be submitted if they include a strong element of nature
within them.
Scottish
Botanical Category
Scotland is
home to many species of native plants and flowers. We are looking for images of
native plants and flowers in their natural habitat, i.e. growing wild, rather
than cultivated.
Natural Abstract Category
The
Natural Abstract category will demonstrate how an abstract image of even the most
familiar aspects of nature and landscape can transform your perception. The judges
will be looking for an image with great impact and one that shows the photographer's
talent in capturing something not just that little bit different, but something
extraordinary.
Environmental Category
This
category invites images of all aspects of the environment and man's impact upon
- and relationship with - nature. This category has a reportage element, so the
judges will be looking for images that convey a message or tell a story about
this broad subject area e.g. natural energy. pollution, conservation, regeneration,
land use (agriculture, crofting, aquaculture, forestry etc.) and biodiversity.
These are just examples, the environmental topic (with a positive or negative
viewpoint) is up to you.
Student
Category
This category is open
to students (full or part-time and over 18 years of age) undertaking a further
or higher education course with a Photography element. In this category, we ask
for a portfolio of 3 images on a single nature theme. This theme can be based
around any of the categories above, but should stick to a single theme e.g. environmental
or landscape, rather than a mixture. As with the main categories, wildlife and
botanical subjects should be photographed in their natural habitats.
Entry
to this category is limited to the portfolio of 3 images. Extra images cannot
be entered to this category. Students who would prefer to enter the main categories
may do so, but only entrants to the Student category will compete for the title
of "Student Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2011".
Junior
Category
This category is open to young
people under 18 years of age on 30th November 2011. Junior entrants may submit
up to 5 images, each of which may be on any Scottish nature subject. As with the
main categories, wildlife and botanical subjects should be photographed in their
natural habitats.
Entry to the Junior category
must be with the permission of a Parent or Guardian. Junior (under-18) entrants
cannot enter the main categories. Entrants to the Junior category will compete
for the title of "Junior Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2011".
