The shutter is about to come down on entries for the Benromach Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Photography Competition 2015. Photographers have just days left to submit their images for the competition, which has produced some stunning images from Scotland’s whisky country over the years.
The overall winner will receive a five-day commission to attend the 2015 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from April 30 to May 4, and capture the passion, revelry and atmosphere of the event. Their winning image, along with the other entries, will also go on public display at a touring exhibition visiting locations across Scotland.
There are three separate categories in the competition. Icons of Speyside encourages photographers to focus on subtle and obvious landmarks of the area, from whisky distilleries to landscapes. Speyside in Monochrome is for entrants who are able to capture the beauty of the area in black and white print, while Flora and Fauna of Speyside is for nature specialists.
Ewen Mackintosh, chief operating officer of Gordon and MacPhail, owners of competition sponsors Benromach Distillery, says, “The huge variations in the subject matter surprises us every year: just when we think we have seen every image there is to see of Speyside, we get a brand new perspective on this wonderful whisky producing region.
“We are famous for our whisky, but this competition celebrates everything that is great about Speyside from the breathtaking landscape and wildlife to landmark buildings and the people who live here.
“Once again the shortlisted photographs will form part of a touring exhibition, which will help us to spread the word about the Festival across Scotland. We will also be asking visitors to the exhibition to vote for their favourite image for the People’s Choice Award.”
James Campbell, chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, adds, “This competition has helped to raise the profile of the Festival, but just as importantly it has given amateur photographers the chance to share their work with the public when they may not have otherwise been able to do so.
“We are looking forward to seeing what entrants will put forward in all three categories this year – I am sure there will be some truly fantastic images.”
In addition to the commission, the overall winning photographer will receive a cash prize, trophy, a bottle of Benromach whisky and two sought-after tickets to the opening night dinner. Category winners will receive cash prizes and bottles of Benromach whisky.
The closing date for entries is November 28. More information about how to enter the competition is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com/competition
The 2015 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival - and its traditional musical arm the Spirit of Speyside Sessions - takes place from April 30 to May 4. Further information about the event is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com. Tickets for events will go on sale in early February 2015.
