A Celebration of Our Fields, Woods and Village Life

There is something quietly special about the way light falls across the fields behind the church at harvest, or how morning mist clings to the edge of the wood before the dog walkers arrive. This year's village photography competition invites you to capture those moments, whether you use a professional camera or the phone in your pocket. The theme is deliberately broad: fields, woods, buildings and people. That means anyone with an eye for local beauty can take part. The competition is open to amateur photographers of all ages who live in the parish or attend a local club or society. Winning prints will be displayed in the village hall throughout November, and a selection of highly commended images will feature in a slideshow during the community evening.

What the Judges Are Looking For

Our judging panel includes a local landscape painter, a retired press photographer and two members of the village hall committee. They are not looking for expensive equipment or exotic locations. Instead, they want images that feel true to this place. A strong entry often has three qualities: a clear subject, thoughtful composition and good light. The subject might be an oak tree, a footpath, a stone wall, a village fete or a neighbour at work in their garden. Composition guides the eye: think about where you place the horizon, how much foreground to include, and whether the image feels balanced. Good light is rarely the harsh midday sun. Early morning and late afternoon often give softer, warmer tones that flatter the landscape.

Entries are considered in four categories: Fields and Farmland, Woods and Wildlife, Buildings and Streets, and People and Community. There is also a Young Photographer award for under-16s. You may enter up to three images in total, across any categories. Judges will award first, second and third in each category, plus an overall Best in Show.

How to Enter: Practical Steps and Key Dates

Entry is free, but you must register your interest so we can plan the display space. Entry forms are available from the village hall on weekday mornings between 9am and noon, or from the village shop during normal opening hours. Entries open on Monday 1 September and close at 5pm on Friday 17 October. Late entries cannot be accepted.

• Digital entries: Submit as JPEG files, at least 3000 pixels on the longest side. Name each file with your surname, category and image title, for example: Smith_Fields_HarvestLight.jpg. If you need help resizing, bring your camera card or phone to the village hall on a Saturday morning and a volunteer can assist.
• Print entries: Prints should be no smaller than A4 and no larger than A3. Mount on card or foam board, but do not frame. Write your name, category and title on the back.
• Consent: If your image features a recognisable person, you must have their permission. For children under 16, a parent or guardian must sign the entry form.
• Deadline: All digital files and prints must be received by 5pm on Friday 17 October. Prints can be dropped off at the village hall during opening hours or at the village shop.

Photographing Fields, Woods, Buildings and People

Each subject brings its own challenges. For fields, look for leading lines: a hedgerow, a fence or a footpath can draw the viewer into the scene. Avoid too much empty sky unless it is dramatic. For woods, overcast days often work better than bright sunshine because they reduce harsh shadows. Try crouching low to photograph bluebells or fungi, and keep your camera steady. A tripod or a beanbag on a gatepost can make a big difference.

Buildings are about more than architecture. A cottage door, a weathered barn or a church window can tell a story. Look for reflections, textures and patterns. If you photograph a street, wait for a person or a bicycle to pass through the frame; it adds life and scale. People are perhaps the most rewarding subject. Candid portraits at a village fete, a cricket match or a coffee morning often feel more authentic than posed shots. Ask permission first, and be patient. If you are shy about approaching strangers, start with family, friends or fellow volunteers.

From Camera to Print: Preparing Your Winning Image

A good photograph deserves a good print. Before you submit, check your image on a larger screen if possible. Look for distractions at the edges, dust spots or accidental blur. Basic adjustments to brightness, contrast and colour are acceptable, but the judges expect a truthful representation of the scene. Heavy manipulation that adds or removes major elements will be disqualified. If you print at home, use good quality paper and let the ink dry completely before handling. If you use a printing service, order a test print first. Mounting your print neatly on white or cream card gives it a professional finish. Write your details on the back in pencil, not pen.

Exhibition and Community Evening

All winning and highly commended prints will be displayed in the village hall from Saturday 1 November to Sunday 30 November. The hall will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, and on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm. Entry is free, with tea, coffee and cake in aid of village hall funds. The awards evening takes place on Friday 7 November at 7pm, when winners will be announced and you can meet the judges. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or have never entered before, this is a wonderful way to celebrate our shared landscape. So charge your batteries, clean your lens and get outside. The beauty is already there; you just need to frame it.