Seascape Award

The prize for Best Seascape shall be awarded to the photographer, who in the opinion of the judges, has submitted the best overall image in this category. Entrants must be 18 years of age and over to be eligible. Multiple entries are allowed.

Awards:
Winner
Runner Up
Commendations:
Highly Commended
Commended

What are the judges looking for?

We are looking for a classic image that represents the quintessential charm of our coastal fishing villages, our stunning island views or the power and drama of the rugged Scottish mainland coast. Photography is highly subjective but you should understand that some basic guidelines will be in place for the judging process. In general, we will be looking for good combinations of subject, composition and light along with sharpness and correct exposure. However, neither criteria will be a deciding factor if an image evokes a special mood or unanimously captures the attention of the judges. An out of focus, under exposed image may win the top prize if the effect is intentional so use your own judgement. Diversity is something we will be looking for in your submissions so bear that in mind.

Please note: The Scottish coast for all its beauty can be a dangerous place and you should not take risks, endanger yourself or others in pursuit of your images. You should always be aware of tides and any hazards in and around our coastlines.

Critique and opinion:

Before submitting your images, we recommend that you get your friends and colleagues to review or critique your images. Additionally, posting your images on social media websites and asking for comments or shares is an excellent way to gauge the quality of your images. If many people like your images then it is an excellent indicator that your image may be successful.

Inspiration:

Inspiration for your images may be drawn from music, poetry or a visit to a museum or art gallery. The works of Robert Burns for example may inspire you to capture an image along the lines of one of his poems. Make a point of visiting an art gallery to gain an appreciation of how artists compose and capture light. Inspiration can also be found in tourist guide books and of course there are many excellent photographers to draw inspiration from. The works of pioneering photographers such as Ansel Adams or Galen Rowell provide a great inspiration to many photographers.

The following should be used as guide as to what we are looking for:

  1. Wide vistas such as sweeping beaches, sea lochs, views of rugged cliffs.
  2. People as part of the seascape – as long as they are not closeups or posed.
  3. Animals as part of the seascape – undisturbed and in natural surroundings. No closeups or posed.
  4. Seaside towns and ports, buildings as part of the seascape such as castles, ruins, bridges etc.
  5. Objects as part of the seascape such as boats, standing stones, historical relics.

Abstracts:

Abstracts are accepted as long as they can be easily distinguished as part of the Scottish Seascape. For example, we will accept;

  1. Long lens shots, crops and abstracts of known places.
  2. Abstract reflections on water where a landmark is visible.
  3. Aerial abstracts and crops

We are not however looking for the following:

  1. Closeups or abstracts of rock formations, pebbles on a beach etc.
  2. Closeups of sand formations.
  3. Images of privately owned stately homes.
  4. Images of government buildings, installations or naval ships.
  5. Images from inside ruins or derelict buildings.

Acceptable media

Digital, film, traditional print and alternative process images are allowed but your submissions should be in digital jpg format only via the competition website. Film, ttraditional print and alternative process images may be submitted from scans of colour transparency, black and white, colour negative or traditional/alternative pringt. All images should be processed as per “digital adjustments and processing” section.

Digital Adjustments and Processing

All digital adjustments are allowed and we will be as flexible as possible, but should not alter or affect the integrity of the image – use your own judgement. In the event you are shortlisted for the final round, you may be asked to produce the original RAW* file(s), the original camera jpg, the original scan or the original film media. If your image is in the running to win the category or a runner up’s place, we definitely will ask for your RAW file.

Respecting the landscape.

We respectfully ask that when taking your images you show care for the environment and respect the interests of others. When out and about taking your photographs for the competition, we ask that you abide by the Scottish Country Access Code. Links to the Country Code are listed below.

Country Code Summary

Country Code in Full