As a purely amateur photographer, I have enormously enjoyed entering a variety of photographs. Although the standard is high, there is clearly plenty of scope for the amateur to show the shots that he or she is proud of. Of course, winning would be nice, but I have found that, because the competition is there, it helps me to think more about composition.

The great thing about Sharow Photographic Competition is that people of all standards feel free to enter their efforts. The other side of the coin is seeing so much variety of work displayed.

Simon Grenfell - so far entered all competitions each year

I didn't think I was any good at taking photos but my grandfather encouraged me to enter 5 or 6 photos and to my surprise I won a second and a commendation and I earned some money.

Sophie Hannington - aged 11

With some encouragement from my father in the UK, I entered a photo shot of some mountain goats taken last April, 14,000 ft up Mt Quandary, Colorado, U.S.A.

These animals are found only in this part of the world, but live at high altitude and are therefore not often seen. They suddenly appeared on the ridge in front of me; we exchanged looks and I had only a moment to take the shot - it was bitterly cold without gloves! Then, just as quickly as they had appeared, they seemed to melt into the white landscape and disappeared from view.

This is the first time I have entered a photographic competition and I was delighted to get 2nd prize in the Wildlife category for my "snap" shot of these rare and graceful animals.

Christopher Page, Bermuda – entered in the 2008 exhibition

As the editor of the Southampton Camera Club newsletter, I will be including a short piece in our next newsletter (published 5th Match 07) encouraging our members to enter your competition, so I hope this helps to bring more entries into what appears to be such a well- managed and superbly organised event.

Nick Borrett - Newsletter Editor - Southampton Camera Club

My initial thought in writing about the first Sharow Photographic Competition was that it was a great success.  It was obvious that a lot of thought and hard work had gone into the planning and organisation. 

The specifications of the categories were clear and were such as to give every keen amateur photographer an opportunity to enter. This showed in the very large number of exhibits which were displayed around the church - along the pews, both sides of the nave walls and wherever there was space - I wondered whether the organisers had an extension in mind!

The standard was so high one did not envy the judges their task - but they certainly chose a beauty for the winner! 

There was a very happy, warm atmosphere at the prize giving; all the hopefuls waited and listened as various photographs were judged with explanation in a very informative way. I wish the Second Sharow Photographic Competition every success and that it may flourish long into the future.

Rosemary Murgatroyd - An appreciation of the first Sharow Photographic Competition in 2006

Sharow is a pleasant village on the edge of Ripon City. The competition is held in the church, which is well lit. There was a very mixed and interesting level of images entered so nobody should be afraid of taking part – it was a pleasant surprise for me to win the overall competition.

Please do support David and the 07 competition. I have encouraged more members of my club to take part; this year it could be your turn to win!

Philip Hack, Overall Winner of the 2006 competition

By viewing the web-site, I was aware of the success of the first competition in 2006. However, I was amazed at the greatly increased number, and quality, of the entries in this year's competition, when I visited the exhibition. This success can only be due to the enthusiasm and hard work of the organisers, who are to be congratulated.

The purpose and format of the competition is admirable, especially the inclusion of a Schools' Section. For photography to prosper, particularly in the camera club world, we need to enthuse young people and such a competition can only help. Bearing in mind the restricted pemises, I think the layout and presentation, both in prints and digital, was excellent.

That this new competition is held in high regard was evidenced by the submission of entries from a wide area of the country. I consider myself both lucky and honoured to be included amongst the winners. I wish the organisers continued success in their, doubtless, considerable efforts to promote this relatively new venture.

George Hodlin ARPS DPAGB Pontefract, South Yorkshire
First Prize: Pictorial, Nature; Third Prize: Portraiture; Commendations: Pictorial, Portraiture, Yorkshire

The Sharow Competition has quickly blossomed into a ‘tour de force’ and the standard of entries is very high. It has obviously now staked its place in the nation's photographic competition calendar and I hope will go from strength to strength, especially given the fact that you are able to not only provide generous prize money, but also make substantial donations to charity.

Derry Brabbs (Photographer, Author, Speaker & past competition Judge)