The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (Abtot) has proudly announced the winners of the 2024 One Shot photo competition. This prestigious contest celebrates exemplary travel photography.
High-Calibre Competition
The 2024 #AbtotOneShot photo competition has concluded, leaving a mark of excellence with its impressive line-up of photographic talent. This event, now in its third iteration, serves as a platform for Abtot members to artistically represent their travel destinations, offering glimpses into diverse touring experiences. Entries were received from over 100 talented photographers, reflecting high levels of creativity and skill.
Categories and Winning Entries
The competition extended across four newly introduced categories: Cities Building and Accommodation, People and Culture, Landscapes and Landmarks, and Wildlife and Birding. In each of these categories, photographers showcased the world in unique ways. The eventual winners stood out for their artistic vision and craft.
Malcom Duckworth of Time Exposure Travel emerged triumphant in the Cities Building and Accommodation category with a stunning photograph of King’s College Chapel at Aberdeen University. His photo is notable for its breathtaking lighting and composition that captures Scotland’s iconic unicorn imagery.
Meanwhile, Zoe Kirkbride from Absolute Escapes won the People and Culture category. Her image, taken in Glencoe, encapsulates the cultural significance of the Scottish Highlands. Kirkbride’s connection to the landscape is evident in her evocative portrayal of Buachaille Etive Mór.
Inspiring Landscapes and Iconic Wildlife
The Landscapes and Landmarks category was awarded to Robin Ball of Bamboo Travel, whose sunset photograph of Kadidiri Paradise Resort’s jetty in Sulawesi was a standout piece. His work brilliantly conveyed the serene and captivating beauty of the Togean Islands.
Commendably, novice photographer Robin admitted his astonishment at the win, attributing much of the success to the natural beauty of the geographical location he captured.
Burnham Arlidge of Swoop Travel triumphed in the Wildlife and Birding category with a powerful depiction of a polar bear in Svalbard. The photograph, taken under challenging circumstances from a zodiac, highlighted the fragility of the polar bear’s environment, a subject of critical conservation importance.
Judging Process and Standards
The judging process was described as highly spirited due to the exceptional quality of entries received this year. Each submission was scrutinised rigorously to ensure the utmost artistic standards were met. This year’s distinct categories demanded distinctive qualities in each photograph, pushing the participants to explore themes beyond their usual scope.
The judges, experts from various sectors of the photography and travel industries, were tasked with the difficult decision of selecting winners from a field of contenders. They emphasised the competition’s role in elevating creative expressions within the travel sector.
Celebration of Talent and Future Prospects
The announcement of the winners has not only acknowledged individual talents but also fostered a sense of community among travel organisers. Abtot plans to publish a full gallery of the photos submitted, which will be accessible soon. This will further highlight the incredible storytelling through photography that the competition has inspired.
Such initiatives are believed to bolster the visibility of travel photography, encouraging more travel organisers to participate in the future and thereby enrich the breadth and depth of submitted works.
In summary, the One Shot photo competition underscores Abtot’s commitment to promoting artistic excellence and raising awareness of the diverse narratives surrounding travel experiences.
Impact on Travel Photography
The impact of contests like the One Shot photo competition is profound in the realm of travel photography. They provide platforms for both burgeoning and seasoned photographers to gain recognition and share their unique perspectives on travel through compelling imagery.
By offering opportunities for photographers to showcase their work, such competitions play a vital role in nurturing creative talents and promoting visual storytelling within the tourism industry. These events are crucial for inspiring deeper engagement with travel destinations and cultures.
Through these competitions, the travel industry not only taps into creative resources but also enhances its storytelling capabilities, thereby providing richer experiences for global audiences.
Reflections from Participants
Participants have expressed deep appreciation for the platform provided by Abtot’s competition. The personal reflections shared reveal the profound impact winning can have on a photographer’s career, as well as the personal growth and inspiration derived from engaging in such a prestigious event.
The Abtot One Shot competition has established itself as a cornerstone event, celebrating creative achievements in the travel community. It fosters an environment where storytelling and artistry flourish.
