27 Dec 2023
Local photographer Steve Collins has two Harpenden-based images in the final of the fiercely contested Guild of Photographers Image of the Year Competition.
The Guild is a highly respected UK based association for photographers, which has members from overseas as well. Each year it runs an online monthly photographic competition, judged by internationally respected judges with awards given to the best entries.
During 2023, the competition has attracted around 12,000 entries from the most talented of photographers.
It has recently been announced that from all the entries across the year, the Guild’s Judges have selected no more than 10 images in various genres to go forward to the annual Image of the Year Final. Those selected are the best of the best, and two images by Steve, both previously awarded Gold by the Guild back in March in their Image of the Month competition, are now shortlisted as top ten finalists within the category “Urban”.
Guild director Lesley Thirsk said: “One of the Guild’s aims is to drive standards and creativity amongst photographers. Our competition certainly does that, for the standard of the entries we see each month is quite staggering.
“To have an image recognised by the Guild in the monthly competition is difficult enough, so to have two images selected as being two of the best in a category for the end of year Final is without doubt an incredible achievement, and shows just how talented a photographer Steve is.”
Steve, who is also chair of Harpenden Photographic Society, added: “I was thrilled earlier this year that these two Harpenden-based images were awarded Gold by The Guild of Photographers in their Image of the Month competition.
“Now that they have been shortlisted for the overall final from the many thousands submitted across whole year is on a whole different level.
“I couldn’t believe it when I found out!”
