Society launches 2020 maritime photography competition
The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, is once again on the lookout for photographers to submit their favourite images of the sea, for its eighth annual competition honouring Britain’s proud maritime heritage.
Laurence Hartwell – Landing Mackerel (Overall Winner 2019)
The competition, which launches on Wednesday 1 July, encourages photographers of all abilities to submit pictures that capture the essence of the UK’s enduring connection with the sea – including its merchant ships, fishermen, coast, harbours and ports.
Given the impact of coronavirus on the nation’s travel plans, the charity is encouraging people to look back through their photo albums, as well as those taken more recently, as all will be accepted as valid entries and could land the prize of £500 worth of photographic equipment vouchers. In addition to beautiful seascapes and coastal images, the charity is particularly interested in receiving pictures of people enjoying leisure activities, either on the sea or around the coastline.
The competition, supported by The Fishmongers’ Company, will once again be judged by a prestigious panel of experts, including Sunday Times Picture Editor, Ray Wells, Picture Editor of the i, Sophie Batterbury and the Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Capt. Justin Osmond RN.
On the launch of the competition, Captain Justin said: “Whilst 2020 has brought an enormous challenge to all of our lives, we are pleased to be able to launch our eighth annual maritime photography competition and provide some summer excitement to photographers across the UK.
“Given the current circumstances, we are keen to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enter the competition, regardless of whether they have been able to take photographs at the coast this year or not, and want any images taken this year to be done so responsibly and in line with government guidance.
“The competition allows us to showcase our proud maritime history and support the industry that we are so reliant on, which has been absolutely critical to the nation over the past few months. As such, we encourage everyone, regardless of experience or ability to get involved.”
The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society supports fishermen, merchant mariners and their dependants who are suffering financial hardship, whether due to accident, ill health, unemployment or in retirement after a life spent working at sea. A total of over £1.4 million was paid in grants over the last year in 2,000 cases of need.
To enter the competition, individuals can submit their photographs through the dedicated form here. Photographers can also enter their pictures via email, post or the Society’s Facebook or Twitter channels.