Six photographers from Hampshire’s leading camera clubs have been named winners of this week’s regional competition, delivering a visual celebration of the county’s landscapes, architecture, and wildlife. The annual contest, judged for technical precision and artistic flair, drew entries from Winchester, Basingstoke, Romsey, and Andover, with winners announced Friday night.
Melanie Randall, a member of the Hampshire Chronicle Camera Club, took the top prize with her shot of Butser Hill bathed in mist and sunlight, a striking contrast of natural drama. Her image, titled *Dawn Chorus*, was praised for its composition and use of light. “It’s a moment that happens every morning but rarely gets captured like this,” Randall said. “The hill is so iconic, but the weather made it feel fresh.”
| Photographer | Club | Winning Image | Location Captured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melanie Randall | Hampshire Chronicle Camera Club | *Dawn Chorus* | Butser Hill |
| Suzy Hamilton | Hampshire Chronicle Camera Club | *Steam Dreams* | Alresford Station |
| Darren Burton | Basingstoke Gazette Camera Club | *Hunt for Light* | Basingstoke woodland |
| Mihaela Ardei | Basingstoke Gazette Camera Club | *Bubble Magic* | Basingstoke Festival |
| Julie Joyce | Andover Advertiser Camera Club | *Faith in Light* | Romsey Abbey window |
| Tracey Fripp | Romsey Advertiser Camera Club | *Market Square Palette* | Romsey town centre |
The judges acknowledged the diversity of subjects, from Darren Burton’s close-up of a firecrest bird in Basingstoke’s woods to Mihaela Ardei’s vibrant shots of the Bubble Festival’s reflective installations. “These images tell a story of Hampshire’s changing seasons,” said competition judge Priya Kapoor. “From industrial heritage to natural beauty, the photographers have shown real depth.”
Key Points
- ✅ Six photographers won regional competitions across Hampshire’s top camera clubs
- ⚡ Winning images include landscapes, wildlife, and urban scenes
- 💡 Public exhibition planned for July at Winchester’s Guildhall
Suzy Hamilton’s *Steam Dreams*, a dynamic capture of the Flying Scotsman at Alresford Station, impressed with its motion blur and rich colors. Meanwhile, Julie Joyce’s *Faith in Light*, a detailed shot of Romsey Abbey’s stained-glass window, highlighted the club’s focus on architectural photography. “Romsey Abbey is a jewel of Hampshire,” Joyce noted. “The light through the glass changes every hour—it’s a challenge to get it right.”
📋 Competition Facts
- 12 — Years Hampshire Camera Clubs have run the annual contest
- 3 — Number of photographers winning their first regional title this year
- 500+ — Estimated attendees expected at the July exhibition
The competition’s younger division, Camera Cubs, also saw strong participation, with 18 new members submitting work. Organizers noted a surge in smartphone photography entries, reflecting the growing accessibility of high-quality imaging tools. “The quality of entries this year was outstanding,” said Hampshire Chronicle Camera Club president Tom Whitaker. “It’s not just about gear anymore—it’s about vision.”
💡 Pro Tip
Shoot during the golden hour—one hour after sunrise or before sunset—for the softest, most flattering light, especially when capturing landscapes or wildlife.
Next month’s exhibition at Winchester’s Guildhall will feature all winning images, along with a selection of runner-up entries. The event, sponsored by local arts council, will include a meet-and-greet with photographers and a workshop on composition techniques. “Hampshire has a wealth of talent,” Whitaker added. “We want to shine a spotlight on it.”
- Public Exhibition — July 12–14, Winchester Guildhall, free entry
- Workshop — July 13, 2 PM, ‘Mastering Natural Light’, led by Priya Kapoor
- Submissions Open — Camera Cubs accepting new entries until July 30