We have a new addition to the I Shot it family of competitions - Saturday 19th November will see the launch of our Bird Photography Competition - and a new addition to the I SHOT IT panel of judges as we welcome specialist bird photographer Mike Atkinson.
We have asked Mike to tell us what he thinks makes a competition winner.
"Having judged more than 200 bird photography contests, I've come to appreciate the many different aspects of an image that can make it special. It's always great to see sharp, clear images that show birds at their beautiful best. More than ever, though, images need to stand out from the crowd.
You may have action shots that capture interesting bird behaviour or environmental shots that depict a bird in its natural habitat. Alternatively, perhaps you've used an unusual angle or creative technique to show one or more birds in a novel way. Whatever the reason, in this era of visual overload, we're keen to receive any image you feel might make people want to linger for a while."
We know that some of you are keen and competitive bird photographers and whilst we have seen your bird photos in our general competitions, we are sure you have been saving up your best to show us exactly what you are capable of! Remember too that you can enter your photos in more than one of our competitions. Bird photography not your cup of tea? Our other Competitions are continuing as usual.