Aberdeen Photography Competition Celebrates ‘Light in the Dark’
The Aberdeen Arts Centre competition, open now, showcases the city in it's winter months.
Aberdeen Arts Centre has invited locals to grab their cameras—or phones—and capture the beauty hidden in winter’s darkness. Their new photography competition, launched in partnership with North East Scotland College (NESCol), is all about finding those small, bright moments that bring joy during the Granite City’s darker months.
The theme, ‘Light in the Dark,’ encourages photographers of all ages to explore Aberdeen in creative ways, looking for those unexpected glimpses of warmth and connection that winter often reveals. Whether it’s sunlight cutting through a grey sky or a cosy glow in a familiar corner of the city, the competition aims to showcase the unique charm of Aberdeen in its quietest season.
Steve Smith, a photography lecturer at NESCol and the competition’s judge, emphasised the power of photography to find beauty in unexpected places. “The theme of ‘Light in the Dark’ is a reminder that even during the darkest times of the year, there is beauty to be found if we look for it,” he said. “Photography is a powerful tool for capturing these moments of light, joy and connection, and this competition is a chance for everyone – whether taking photos with a camera or a phone – to explore their creativity.”
The competition is part of Aberdeen Arts Centre’s Creative Learning programme, which aims to make art accessible to all by fostering creativity and participation within the local community. Creative Director Amy Liptrott highlighted the competition’s focus on connection and hope. “Winter's darkness often challenges our spirits, yet it's within this very darkness that light, beauty, and joy can emerge most profoundly,” she said. “Our 'Light in the Dark' photography competition invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to discover and capture these illuminating moments in Aberdeen.”
Entries can be submitted via email to info@aberdeenartscentre.com until 11.59pm on Sunday, 2 February 2025. Full details, including terms and conditions, are available on Aberdeen Arts Centre’s website. This competition promises to offer a fresh, creative look at the city, shining a spotlight on its resilience and beauty.
