‘Ireland Alive’ revealed as theme for Top Oil photo comp

Top Oil’s tenth annual photo competition is now open for entries, with this year taking the theme of ‘Ireland Alive’.

With one of 12 coveted slots on the 2017 Top Oil Calendar up for grabs, the amateur photo competition has become a popular event for Ireland’s talented amateur photographers.

Last year, almost 10,000 entries were received and Top Oil is hopeful that this year will gain even more interest.

To fulfill the ‘Ireland Alive’ theme, Irish snappers are being asked to capture what they believe represents the “life and soul” of Ireland.

“For the 2016 competition, the theme ‘Ireland Alive’ encourages amateur photographers to capture Ireland in all its glory, full of life and bursting with spirit,” a Top Oil spokesperson said. “From the indigenous flora and fauna found from The Burren to Dublin Bay, to the spectacular coastal views on offer along the Wild Atlantic Way.

“From the bustling city scenes of Belfast or Cork to the colourful climate, whether endured or enjoyed, the options are endless. Amateur photographers could choose to share an image of lusciously green pastures heroing Ireland’s uniquely vibrant landscape.”

Launching the competition, Top Oil visited Dun Laoghaire East Pier Lighthouse where they were joined by popular Irish weatherman and photography fan, Martin King.

Martin said: “I try to get my hands on the Top Oil calendar as soon as it comes out each year because I am always blown away by the standard of photography in it.

“As people may know I am a huge photography fan, in fact we all are in my house. Over the last ten years, this competition has not only provided Irish homes with a spectacular calendar but has also been a great platform for Ireland’s amateur photographers to showcase their creativity and talent.

“The theme for this year, Ireland Alive, is sure to inspire even more amateur photographers to get involved. We are blessed in Ireland to live in a country so full of colour and spirit. There is something new to discover here every day so I’m sure people won’t be short of vibrant and exciting moments to capture. I am really looking forward to seeing what entries come through this year and more so looking forward to what images are chosen to be part of Top Oil’s 2017 calendar.”

Returning once again is the popular ‘People’s Choice Award’ whereby fans of Top Oil’s Facebook Page will have the chance to vote for the photograph they would most like to see included in the 2017 calendar.

The ‘People’s Choice Award’ shortlist will be chosen through the competition’s judging panel.

The overall winner will feature on the coveted calendar cover as well as winning €1,000 voucher. The 11 runner up winners will each receive a €200 voucher.

Jason Power, marketing manager at Top Oil said: “This year is particularly special as we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the competition.

“We originally launched the competition to fuel creativity in Ireland and showcase our commitment to the Arts and in the last ten years, the competition has grown from strength to strength.

“The talent of Ireland’s amateur photographers always excites and inspires us, and our judges find it  extremely difficult to choose the final 12 winners.”

To keep up to date with the competition, visit the Top Oil facebook page www.facebook/topoilfuelingireland, or follow @TopOil on Twitter and topoil_fueling_ireland on Instagram.