The grand title (overall winner) is awarded to the photographer with the highest scoring portfolio of three images.
Entrants must enter a minimum of three images to be eligible for grand title and their images may be comprised entirely of landscapes, seascapes or urban views, or any combination of these categories.
For example, if an entrant chooses to enter a set of 4, 8 or 20 images from the available options, regardless of how many images they enter, their three highest scoring images at the end of judging become the entrant’s portfolio. Their remaining images are removed from the judging process but kept in reserve in the event that any of their highest scoring images are ineligible.
The highest scoring portfolio of all entrants wins the grand title. The second highest scoring portfolio is the runner up and the remaining portfolios win commendations and highly commended awards.
Accolades in this category
- Grand Title and overall winner
- Runner up
- Highly commended
- Commended
What are we looking for?
This category is extremely strict and we are looking for natural, unspoilt views in every image in their portfolio. Whilst digital adjustments are permitted, we know that with the right skills, it is possible* to capture a scene accurately in camera and for that reason, we are looking for images that represent the scene accurately, have not been enhanced and have little to no digital adjustments.
You may submit images from any location in Scotland or the islands but please bear in mind that we will award higher scores to images to photographers that have entered images from lesser known or unseen locations as opposed to images from so called honeypot locations.
Please see the honeypot locations page for more details
* In all the competitions over the last 10 years, we have received hundreds of images that have had little to no digital adjustments. The best of these have gone on to become category and overall winners.
Please see the individual landscape, seascape and urban categories for more specific details
Acceptable media
Images may be captured on digital, film or any alternative photographic process but must be submitted in digital format.
Preliminary judging stages – all images to be submitted in JPG format, maximum 2000px on the long side, 72ppi Adobe.
Final round judging stage – RAW and/or original JPGs will be required.
Digital Adjustments and Processing
Digital adjustments are allowed for this category but the integrity of the subject must be maintained. In other words, digital adjustments may be used to make corrections and basic enhancements such as balancing shadows and highlights, removing artefacts etc. Digital adjustments should not be used in a way that alters the subject – e.g. adding/removing items, over-saturation, using plugins to add artificial sunlight, mist etc.
In short, less is more and the higher the score from the judges.
Respecting the landscape & the right roam.
We respectfully ask that when taking your images you show care for the environment and respect the interests of others. When out and about taking your photographs for the competition, we ask that you abide by the Scottish Country Access Code. Links to the Country Code are listed below.
Trespass Laws & SOAC
Photographers should be aware that Trespass is an offence in Scotland