BT NORTHERN IRELAND PRESS PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION 2011

“We were absolutely delighted with the quantity and calibre of pictures entered in this year’s competition,” said Alan Lewis, NIPPA Chairman. “There is an enormous pool of talent in Northern Ireland and we’re thrilled that through this competition their creativity, skill and passion for photography can be recognised.”

Organised by the Northern Ireland Press Photographers Association (NIPPA), the competition attracted almost 400 entries from over 40 photographers across the country.  Thirty-seven prizes spanning nine categories, eight merit awards, one runner up and two overall winners were awarded

Charles McQuillan, Pacemaker Press International snapped up the coveted BT Photographer of the Year award with William Cherry, Press Eye named runner up. The title of BT Provincial Photographer of the Year was awarded to John McVitty, Impartial Reporter based in Fermanagh.

Official sponsor BT, once again, presented their own award.

”The BT Special Award was presented  for the photograph that best embodies the power of communication and the winning candidate was Mark Jones”, said Don Brennan, Head of Consumer Marketing BT.  “As official sponsor, we welcome the opportunity to continue to support and promote the good work of our regional press photographers.”

A special award was introduced this year in memory of the late John Harrison. The Youth in Sport award was introduced by Dame Mary Peters for the photograph that best reflected a young person/people engaged in a sporting activity. The winner, Gerard Smyth, Bill Smyth Photography was presented with the John Harrison Memorial Cup.