The competition is open to absolutely anyone who has shot a good photograph, which is suitable to be entered into any of the six classes.
Over the past couple of years the entries have been of exceptional quality making it almost impossible to judge as there were so many entries worthy of a special mention. Last year the overall winning picture came from Class 2, the Pedigree Texel situation in the over 18 category, taken by breeder Sarah Riley, Moneyreagh. This picture has proved to be a popular selection for the club’s stock of “thank you” cards.
The winning streak continued for the Riley family with Sarah and Marshall’s son taking the red rosette in Class 4 – Pedigree Texel situation 18 years and under.
Young Robbie Foster and sister Alice, Castlederg, proved to be competent “snappers” as they took first place positions in the under 12 and 18 years and under commercial categories respectively, while the Class one winner went to a quirky, fun photo of a ram hiking a lift home from the market in the back seat of a jeep.
However, the biggest entry for a single category was undoubtedly the “Best Photograph in a Rural Setting” – some of these entries were magnificent but it was the entry from Jean McCollam, Carmavy which caught the judges’ eye and took the first place. The competition is yet again open to all ages with classes for pedigree Texels and commercial Texel-cross sheep, in addition, to the ever popular open class for ‘any rural setting’. Entries are very welcome any time between now and November 9 giving all those wishing to enter plenty of time to capture that perfect shot. Entries will be accepted in both digital and conventional format. Those wishing to email their entries can do so to nitexelbreedersclub@live.co.uk while printed entries may be returned to 10 Ballyatwood Road, Ballywalter, Newtownards, BT22 2PA.
All photographs submitted will be placed before a panel of judges and the winning entries will be announced at the annual dinner on Friday night, 23rd November 2012.
Classes are as follows
1. Best Photograph in a commercial situation (Over 18)
2. Best Photograph in a pedigree situation (Over 18)
3. Best Photograph in a commercial situation (18 years and under)
4. Best Photograph in a pedigree situation (18 years and under)
5. Best Photograph in a rural setting (open)
6. Special prize for Best Photograph by a photographer Under 12
The first placed entries in each class will again compete for the Kevin McAuley Photography Perpetual Cup which will be awarded to the overall winner.
The competition is free to enter and is open to all, so why not forward your favourite picture with your name, address and the class number you are entering written on the back to the address above or call 07791679112 for further details.