Last chance for Mayo snappers to enter the Love Your Coast photography competition
Clean Coasts is calling all amateur photographers around Mayo and Ireland to enter the Love Your Coast photography competition before August 21.
With the August Bank Holiday upon us, it’s the perfect time to explore the stunning coast and capture its breathtaking beauty – just as last year's overall winner, Stephen Dunbar, did off Broadhaven Bay, Mayo, with 'Humpback Feeding'.
Stephen said: “This image of a humpback whale was captured in Broadhaven Bay. I watched the whale feeding the day before from land. The next day, I was lucky enough to get out on a rib with Brendan and Marcus from IWDG. We first encountered two huge basking sharks when they came over to our boat. After that, we found the humpback whale feeding in the bay with a handful of minke whales and lots of common dolphins. Many birds feed in the bay, including kittiwakes, which are seen in the image, along with puffins, guillemots and razorbills.”
This weekend, why not follow in Stephen's footsteps and take advantage of the extended break to venture out and discover the captivating landscapes, stunning heritage, diverse wildlife and vibrant coastal communities that define our island.
The Love Your Coast photography competition invites photographers to submit their best shots in five distinct categories: Coastal Landscape, Heritage on the Coast, Wildlife and the Coast, Underwater, and People and the Coast.
With a prize fund of €5,000 and numerous exposure opportunities, this is your opportunity to showcase your talent and contribute to a celebration of Ireland’s unique coastal scenes.
Moreover, on August 19, you can join World Photography Day celebrations by entering the Love Your Coast competition. This global event is the perfect occasion to highlight the natural wonders and rich heritage of the Irish coastline through your lens.
Whether you’re capturing the serene morning light over a coastal village, the dynamic interplay of waves and wildlife, or the timeless stories embedded in our coastal heritage, your photographs help Clean Coasts showcase what volunteers and communities work hard to protect all year round.
To capture an award-winning image, you must be still, present in the moment, and deeply connected to the beauty of your subject. It is a mindful art form.
Take the opportunity this weekend to switch off, grab your camera, and reconnect with nature and our stunning coastline.
For more information on how to enter and to explore the competition categories, visit www.cleancoasts.org.