Taking part in her first ever photography contest, Amy Davenport (27), Little Craigherbs, Boyndie, won over the judges to take first prize in the 'Spirit of the Banffshire Coast' photography contest with her stunning landscape entitled 'Evening Ebb Tide, Banff Links'.

Her evocative picture, which captured a beautiful pale sunset over the Banff Links beach, was taken in March this year and was one of four entries she submitted.

A clearly delighted Miss Davenport said that her success was still sinking in.

She said: "I'm so pleased. I really can't believe it; I haven't stopped smiling since I won.

"When you consider the number of entries, I'm really bowled over to have won – especially as it was judged by the Scottish Professional Photographers Association.

"It has really boosted my confidence. This was a professional opinion – you never know with your friends and family if they are just being polite, and you are always more critical of your own work."

A former Banff Academy pupil, Miss Davenport studied photography at Aberdeen College, and has recently started teaching herself with a digital camera.

She said it would be "a dream come true" to sell her work, and with this win behind her, she believes she has gained greater confidence in her ability to pursue a career in photography.

Prize-winning Boyndie photographer Amy Davenport.

She will make her first foray into the world of professional photography at this month's Coast Festival of the Visual Arts, where she has a place at the arts fair in Macduff Town Hall.

As well as the distinction of being the competition's winning photographer, Miss Davenport will receive a crystal trophy, sponsored by Scottish Enterprise Grampian, and a cash prize.

Runners-up were Graham Scott from Alford, whose image of Portsoy Old Harbour claimed second place, and Stuart Scott from Turriff, who won third prize for 'Strolling Through the Sunlight'.

All the winners will be awarded their prizes by the chairman of Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership, John Cox, on Saturday, May 17 at Duff House.

The competition attracted 169 entries from as far afield as America and, closer to home, England and the Central Belt of Scotland.

A selection of approximately 50 entries, including the top three photographs, will be on display in the tea room at Duff House from May 15 to June 15, and will feature in the Coast Festival weekend.

shepherd_e@spp-group.com

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