Picture shows: John O'Gorman (Tiperary Libraries), Thomas Noone (Thurles Credit Union), Mary Guinan-Darmody (Tipperary Libraries) and Michael Fogarty (Templemore CU).
The Credit Unions of Tipperary and Tipperary Libraries are once again offering all photographers an opportunity to showcase their work, promote Tipperary and put themselves in line for a share of a €1,200 prize fund. The theme of the competition this year is “Hidden Tipperary,” and photographs should be of areas or scenes which give a taste of the many facets of our county, but which are not well-known to the general public. The important thing is that they show Tipperary at its best.
The Credit Unions of Tipperary have produced an annual calendar for a number of years, a project that has proven extremely popular, with many thousands being distributed free throughout the county and further afield. Similarly, Tipperary Libraries have always encouraged photographers to showcase their talents through competitions based on a number of themes highlighting the many attractions of County Tipperary. They have mounted a number of significant exhibitions in recent years and aim to continue this promotion of the arts into the future.
Last year, both organisations joined forces to broaden the scope of the competition and the outcome was a calendar featuring the “Gardens and Parks of Tipperary,” which was widely regarded as the best of its kind to date.
Entries are now invited from all who have an interest in photography and in the hidden beauty of their home place. The hidden beauty in this case will be in the eye and camera lens of the beholder. It can take many forms, a quiet glen, a colourful river valley, a gathering place for family enjoyment or a scenic view from a hilltop, may include animals or people but should not contain any easily identifiable landmark.
Four major prizes, to the value of €1,200, will be awarded and at least 36 of the entries will be chosen for publication in the calendar for 2013. In addition, as many of the photos as possible will be on display in branch libraries around the county and on a specially commissioned website set up to promote Tipperary.
The competition is open to anyone with an interest in County Tipperary. Entry details and competition rules are available from participating credit unions and from branches of Tipperary Libraries throughout the county.
Pictures may be submitted electronically in a format which will give a high-resolution end-product to mytipperary@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can submit your picture or pictures in hard copy or on disc to your local credit union or Branch Library in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Photography Competition 2012.”
