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The Islands’ Partnership, has launched its Photography Competition for 2017 in partnership with St. Mary’s Hall Hotel Isles of Scilly Travel. The annual Isles of Scilly Photography Competition has grown to become a popular feature across the islands, attracting more than 2,500 entries over the past three years. Last year’s winning photo, “Sky, Sea, Sand” by Carl Farran, together with the winning entries from 2014 and 2015 - “Puffin” by Steven Burbidge and Megan Gallacher’s “Tropical Oasis”, respectively - have all become iconic marketing images for the Isles of Scilly alongside many of those that were shortlisted in their categories. The 2017 competition is open to all photographers living on, working on, or visiting the islands between 1st May and 30th September as well as, for one special category, visitors who have been coming to the islands for years and who care to share some distinctive photographic memories of Scilly. The outright winner will win a three-night break for two on a Bed & Breakfast basis at St. Mary’s Hall Hotel on St. Mary’s, together with two return tickets on the Scillonian III passenger ferry courtesy of Isles of Scilly Travel. The eight categories for the 2017 Isles of Scilly Photography Competition are: Dusk to Dawn; Historic Scilly; Island Life; Islands like nowhere else in England; Scilly Memories (old photos from yesteryear); Scilly on the Water; Taste of Scilly; and Wild Scilly. With the Scillonian III celebrating 40 years of service this year and the Isles of Scilly Museum celebrating its 50th anniversary, the categories are designed to encourage photographers to capture those perfect moments of their Scilly experiences – whether it be photographing wild seabirds and dolphins accompanying the Scillonian III on its journey to and from the islands, capturing a piece of living (or past) Scillonian history, or simply shooting the perfect sunset over Samson. Following the closure of the competition on 30th September, a short list of the best entries from each category will be selected by representatives of the Islands’ Partnership. These entries will then be displayed online via visitislesofscilly.com, and the general public invited to vote for their favourite images. The winner will be notified by email in November 2017. “The annual Isles of Scilly Photography Competition is a great addition to our seasonal calendar and one that is enthusiastically anticipated by some visitors to the islands,” says David Jackson, Executive Director, Islands’ Partnership. “We look for photos that really do encapsulate the essence of Scilly and welcome photographers keen to showcase their talents in Visit Isles of Scilly’s marketing materials including the Visit Isles of Scilly Guide, our website and various promotional materials throughout the year. There is a lot to celebrate on the islands this year, which is why we’ve included the Scilly Memories category to encourage exhibits that capture those nostalgic family holidays and cherished moments on Scilly from yesteryear. We’re looking forward to some interesting sepia photos and Polaroids, or scans thereof, arriving in our office! “And finally, of course, I would like to thank St. Mary’s Hall Hotel and Isles of Scilly Travel for their kind and generous donations for the winner’s prize.” Further information about the competition and how to apply can be found on Visit Isles of Scilly.