In the frame with Rotary

Budding young photographers have been snapping up top prizes in the Rotary Young Photographer 2009 competition.

Scores of avid photographers from all over Great Britain and Ireland sent in their submissions for the competition which was judged this week.

The competition - divided into three categories of junior, intermediate, and senior - aims to encourage young people to experiment with photography and exercise their imagination and creativity.

Overall winner and winner of the senior category (ages 14-17) was Ben Cherry from Stratford upon Avon, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Stratford upon Avon (winning photograph above).

Sam Leatham from  Bedford, sponsored by The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle, took first prize in the Intermediate category (ages 11-13) (picture below).

The winner of the junior competition (ages 7-10 years) was Lottie Mannell from Peterborough sponsored by the Rotary club of Oundle (picture below).

Also commended in their categories were:

• Senior competition - Heather Birnie from Huntingdon, sponsored by The Rotary Club of Huntingdon Hinchingbrooke
• Intermediate competition - Jessica Queenan from Worcestershire, sponsored by The Rotary Club of Bewdley
• Junior Competition - Alexandra Keays from Stratford upon Avon, sponsored by The Rotary Club of Stratford-Upon-Avon

Rotarian Linda May who organised the competition said: “We were amazed at the standard of the entries we received. It just goes to show the amount of talent there is out there amongst young people.

“Rotary is dedicated to promoting the talents and opportunities of young people in Great Britain and Ireland and run a host of these sorts of competitions aimed at giving them the chance to showcase their abilities and perhaps set them on the path of a future career. Who knows, maybe we will help unearth the next David Bailey Annie Leibovitz.”

Photographs were marked on technical merit, content and composition, and imagination and style. Prizes are awarded for the Best Photograph in each age category and one for the Best Overall photograph.

The winner of each age category received a cheque for £50 and a trophy to keep.

The overall winner will receive an additional £50 and will hold The Rotary Young Photographer Rose Bowl for the year.

For more information about on youth opportunities in Rotary, click here.

11/06/09