Celebrate shaftesbury through your lens
Shaftesbury residents and visitors are invited to take part in the Shaftesbury Photography Competition, a creative initiative that celebrates the beauty, culture, and community of our town. This local competition is part of the wider North Dorset Photography Competition, a collaboration with Visit Dorset and neighbouring towns – Blandford Forum, Gillingham, Sherborne, and Sturminster Newton.
The competition aims to spotlight Shaftesbury as a must-visit destination and invites participants of all ages and skill levels to capture what makes our town special.
Key Dates and Details
Submissions Open: 14th February 2025 at 9:00
Submissions Deadline: 28th March 2025 at 21:00
Judging Process: 29th March – 12th April 2025
A panel of judges will shortlist the top 10 photos from each category: Under 18s, 18 and Over, and Professional Photographers.
Shaftesbury Photo Exhibition: Starting 9th May 2025
The shortlisted photos will be displayed at a public exhibition in Shaftesbury, where residents and visitors can vote online to select three winners from each category.
Winner of Winners Exhibition: June 2025
Shaftesbury’s winners will join finalists from the other participating towns to compete in the North Dorset Winner of Winners Exhibition at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton.
How to Enter
Submissions open on 14th February 2025. Participants can submit their entries online via the dedicated competition website: https://northdorsetphoto.co.uk/.
Each town has its own page where entrants can navigate to the category they wish to join:
- Under 18s
- 18 and Over
- Professional Photographers
The website also provides detailed guidelines on submission requirements, judging criteria, and competition rules to help entrants prepare.
Share your Shaftesbury
The Shaftesbury Photography Competition is an opportunity to showcase the town’s rich heritage, vibrant community, and breathtaking architecture and scenery. From the iconic views of Gold Hill to Shaftesbury’s historic streets, buildings, and hidden corners, there is no shortage of inspiration.
Shaftesbury Town Council encourages everyone – whether you’re an experienced photographer or someone who loves snapping photos on your phone – to take part and share your perspective on what makes Shaftesbury truly special.
About the North Dorset Photography Competition
The North Dorset Photography Competition is a collaborative project involving five North Dorset towns, supported by Visit Dorset. The initiative aims to inspire creativity, engage local communities, and position North Dorset as a must-see destination for visitors.
This is more than just a photography competition – it’s a celebration of the region’s unique identity, community, heritage, and stunning landscapes.
Get ready to capture Shaftesbury through your lens and be part of this exciting celebration of creativity and community. For more information visit the North Dorset Photography Competition website.. Stay up to date by following our Facebook and Instagram pages.
