Local talent shines at regional photo awards
The Shaftesbury community had reason to celebrate at the recent North Dorset Tourism Photography Awards, as local teenager Olly Phillips was announced as the Shaftesbury winner with his striking image Blue Point. His achievement was particularly notable, as he was the only entrant in the Under 18 category across all participating towns to win a Best Photograph Award.
Shaftesbury through your lens
The Shaftesbury Photography Competition was launched earlier this year as part of a wider initiative across North Dorset. In collaboration with Visit Dorset and neighbouring towns – Blandford Forum, Gillingham, Sherborne, and Sturminster Newton – the competition aimed to spotlight the beauty, culture and community of each town, while encouraging creativity among residents and visitors alike. Participants were invited to submit photographs that captured what makes Shaftesbury special, whether through iconic landscapes, architectural charm, or moments of everyday life.
The competition opened for entries on 14th February 2025 and received an enthusiastic response across all age groups and categories. Following the closing date on 28th March, a panel of local judges shortlisted up to ten entries per category: Under 18s, 18 and Over, and Professional Photographers. The shortlisted photographs were then exhibited from 9th May at Gold Hill Museum, where the public were invited to cast their votes both in person and online.
Shining a spotlight on local talent
The three photographs receiving the most votes in each category were selected to represent Shaftesbury in the North Dorset Tourism Photography Awards and Exhibition, held in June 2025 at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton. This regional finale brought together the best entries from each town and offered a broader celebration of the region’s talent and tourism appeal.
Congratulations to the winners of the public vote for Shaftesbury, who went on to represent Shaftesbury in the North Dorset photography competition.
Professional
Orion upon the house of God – Callum Breslin
Reach for the sky – Catherine Molineux
Fern fronds and bluebells – Catherine Molineux
Gallery
Under 18
Blue point – Olly Phillips
Golden sky over the golden hill – Logan Dunne
Snowy sunrise – Logan Dunne
Gallery
18 and over
Morning fog – Pawel Wach
The cobbled path – Christopher Robinson
Sunset through trees – Joni de Winter
Gallery
The North Dorset Tourism Photography Awards Ceremony 2025
The culmination of the competition was a public award ceremony held on Saturday 21st June, hosted by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Mr. Michael Dooley LVO MMs FRCOG. Judged by renowned landscape photographer Charlie Waite, the event celebrated not only artistic excellence but also how photography can inspire visitors and shine a light on North Dorset’s many attractions.
Representing Shaftesbury in the Under 18 category, Olly Phillips’ photograph Blue Point captured the imagination of both voters and judges. His win was warmly welcomed, with the Mayor of Shaftesbury, Cllr Virginia Edwyn-Jones attending the ceremony and offering her congratulations:
“Huge congratulations to Olly Phillips for winning Shaftesbury Best Photo, the only teenage winner in North Dorset. His stunning photo Blue Point was much admired!”
The success of the competition reflects the depth of talent across the region and highlights the powerful role photography plays in celebrating place and identity. Thank you to all participants of the Shaftesbury Photography Competition this year.
To view all the shortlisted entries and learn more about the competition, visit https://northdorsetphoto.co.uk.
With thanks to Alexandra Von Clemens for photos from the awards ceremony.
