Highland and Moray residents capture top prizes at photography competition

By Rachel Lee

January 8 2020, 6:12 am

Four talented photography enthusiasts from Moray and the Highlands have been announced as the winners of a new creative competition.

Budding photographers Debbie Knowles of Elgin, Joanna Lipp from Killen, Findhorn resident Morven Mackenzie and Angus Chrisholm of Invergordon were all recognised for their exceptional entries in a “Capture the Moment” photography competition.

13-year-old Joanna Lipp, from Killen, scooped the prize for the best junior photograph, with her image of a row of wellie boots on a farm on the Black Isle.

Each of the winners is to be awarded a cash prize of £250 and their photographs are to adorn the walls of chartered accountants Johnston Carmichael’s offices and Inverness’s Eden Court theatre.

Morven Mackenzie, 53, from Findhorn took home the prize for the best sector image, with a photograph of a female engineer working at a local engineering firm

The competition was recently launched to celebrate Johnston Carmichael’s connection to the Highlands and Moray. Over 190 photographers submitted photos highlighting the qualities of the North and North East, such as food and drink, oil and gas and agriculture.

The best image that tells a story category was won by Angus Chisholm, 66, from Invergordon, who took inspiration from the fishing industry.

Mrs Mackenzie, 53, was crowned winner of best sector image – a photo of a female engineer – by a panel of local photographers, artists, journalists, Lord Lieutenant of Moray Grenville Johnston and grandson of Bill Johnston, a co-founder of Johnston Carmichael.

Debbie Knowles, 31, from Elgin was crowned the winner of the best photograph taken on a smart phone category, with her beautiful shot of Elgin Cathedral and the River Lossie

Joining her as a winner is Mrs Knowles, 31, who was crowned winner in the smart phone category for her scenic shot of Elgin Cathedral and River Lossie

For the image that tells a story category, Mr Chisholm, 66, was awarded for his image of cormorant bird swopping to devour mackerel in North Kessock.

The winner for the best junior photograph was 13-year-old Joanna Lipp for her capture of colourful welly boots.

Audit partner at Johnston Carmichael, Scott Jeffrey, was delighted to see the array of talent that was displayed in the competition.

Mr Jeffrey said: “It’s been so interesting to see how all our entrants have interpreted each of the categories and sectors.”