Harbour Authority’s Doon the Coast photo competition is back and set to be bigger than ever

Orkney Harbour Authority (OHA) has announced the launch of the Doon the Coast 2023 photography competition.

The contest - which showcases the best photography of life in Orkney by budding local photographers - started in 2022 but is set to be bigger than ever in 2023, with new categories introduced, a weekly ‘Pics of the week’ to be showcased in The Orcadian, and great prizes up for grabs for the winners.

The theme for 2023 is ‘Life on the Coast’ with OHA encouraging folk of all photography abilities to submit their best photographs depicting life in the county, at sea and of the stunning natural local environment.

New for 2023 are the following categories:

• Best Nautical Photograph - from boats at sea to life aboard a ship, competition judges are keen to see images that capture the comings and goings at our ports and harbours.
• Best Nature/Wildlife Photograph - Orkney’s coastline is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, wildlife, flora, and fauna. In this category, we want to see the natural wonders of our coast. 
• Best Coastal Life Photograph - making a life on the coast with family, friends, and the community is what makes living in Orkney so unique. We want to see snapshots of real life and people from our coastlines. 
• Young People’s Award – those aged 16 and under can enter the competition in a special category, submitting a photograph that fits in with the theme of ‘Life on the Coast’.

Speaking at the competition launch, Orkney Islands Council convener, Graham Bevan, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the Doon the Coast photography competition for the second year in a row. It was great to see so many high-quality entries last year that represented both the diversity, beauty and scenery of Orkney, as well as the creativity of our community.

“I think the standard of last year’s winners speak for themselves, and we can’t wait to see what our talented amateur photographers submit this year. We are also really looking forward to seeing the islands through the eyes of some of our younger people in the new Young Person category.

“We take pride in working with and alongside the local community in what is one of the most diverse and pristine marine environments on the planet. Whether at work or at leisure, we look forward to seeing how folk in Orkney interact with our waters and coastline through their own lens.”

Entries for Doon the Coast 2023 are open to anyone residing in Orkney. Entries can be from any age, with any camera (including a phone camera) and be in any format, including landscape, portrait or square. The only criteria is that the photo must have been taken in the last 12 months in Orkney. Entrants are welcome to submit a maximum of two entries per category.

The competition will run from Thursday 1 June 2023 to Thursday 13 July 2023 with entries to be submitted at: www.info.harbours.com/doonthecoast2023. Entries in the Young Person’s category can be made at www.info.harbours.com/doonthecoast2023youngpersonsaward 

A weekly selection of photos that have grabbed the judges’ attention will be featured online and in The Orcadian each week of the competition.

After the July 13 deadline for submissions has passed, judging will take place from our panel of judges from OHA, The Orcadian and Orkney Photographic. The winners will be announced thereafter.

From the three subject categories, 12 will be shortlisted and will be featured in our 2024 calendar. From the shortlist, we’ll select three overall winners who will receive Orkney BID vouchers.

For the Young Person category, judges will choose one first-prize winner and two runners-up. Prizes TBC.

See full terms and conditions here: www.info.harbours.com/doonthecoast2023