Orkney Harbour Authority (OHA) has launched our annual ‘Doon the Coast’ photography competition for 2024. For the third year in a row, we're inviting budding photographers across Orkney to submit their photos of 'A Day by the Sea'.
We'd like Orcadians of all photography abilities to submit their best photographs depicting life on the islands, at sea and of the stunning natural local environment.
Following on from the success of last year, we are accepting entries within 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 and 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 Orcadians in action, sharing snapshots of real life and people from our coastlines.
- Young People’s Award – This time, 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:
“Our annual Doon the Coast competition is growing in popularity, and we're excited to see what images will be entered this year.
Of course, every day is a day by the sea for Orcadians, but over the next few weeks, we really want to encourage those who live on our islands to get out and explore our coastline. We expect this year’s entrants to really celebrate the beauty and scenery of Orkney and show us what ‘A Day by the Sea’ truly means to them.”
2024 entries open now!
Entries for Doon the Coast 2024 are open to anyone residing in Orkney. Entries can be from any age, with any digital 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 for 6 weeks from Thursday 2nd May 2024 to Sunday 16th June 2024 with entries to be submitted at: orkneyharbours.com/doonthecoast
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 deadline for submissions has passed, judging will take place from our panel of judges. The winners will be announced thereafter.
From the categories, 12 will be shortlisted and will be featured in our 2025 calendar. Winners and runners-up in the adult categories will receive up to £100 of Kirkwall BID Vouchers.
For the Young Person category, judges will choose one first-prize winner and two runners-up. Prizes for 1st place is a Papercut Camera.
To enter Doon the Coast photography competition or see full terms and conditions please visit: orkneyharbours.com/doonthecoast