Congratulations to Stephen Johnson and Els Gielen who were selected as the winner and runner-up in Promote Shetland's summer photography competition.
A photograph of friendly puffins is the winner of Promote Shetland’s Photography Competition inspired by the islands’ spectacular summertime.
Locals and visitors were encouraged to submit photos capturing the essence of Shetland summers. The winning photo was taken by Stephen Johnson, on a trip with his parents in Shetland’s South Mainland.
He was excited to be told his photograph had taken first prize.
I took many photos on the day, many of them puffins. Puffins are adorable birds with little or no fear which made them easy to photograph.
Stephen said: “The photo, along with many more, was taken during a week spent with my parents at the sooth end glamping pods in June, the photo was taken at Sumburgh Head.
“Sumburgh is a magical place for seabirds; I found myself spending hours just watching the many species on show.
“I took many photos on the day, many of them puffins. Puffins are adorable birds with little or no fear which made them easy to photograph.”
Puffins return to Shetland annually to breed, and they are among the species visitors and locals most enjoy spotting around the islands. The birds’ colourful appearance and characterful demeanour mean they are among many people’s favourites.
More than competition 800 entries were received, showing everything from the most beautiful landscapes, to amazing wildlife and outdoor adventures.
Stephen’s puffin photo made the final 10 and was a clear favourite when the shortlist went to a public poll. He will receive a custom print of the photo courtesy of The Camera Centre, Lerwick, as his prize.
Runner-up was Els Gielen from Belgium, whose photo of her partner and son enjoying a break in the sun while lying on a heathery hillside captured the imagination.
Els said: “The photo was taken during a walk in Noonsbrough [on Shetland’s Westside]. We had planned to go to Papa Stour that day, but because we missed the boat we changed our plans for that day and we took our rental car to make a trip near Clousta and Noonsbrough with beautiful stops and lovely walks where we took some rest breaks in the purple heather.
“It was a lovely day, so we didn't regret missing Papa Stour and now we have an extra reason to come back to Shetland!”
Els explained the family had a fabulous time exploring the islands at the end of July/early August.
“We visited many beautiful places on Mainland, Yell and Unst … and we were very lucky with the beautiful weather during that period."
Els's runner-up prize, provided by The Shetland Times Bookshop, is a copy of Wild Shetland Through the Seasons.