AN aspiring photographer has become one of the latest to submit her efforts to the judging panel of VisitWiltshire’s annual photograph completion.

Armed with her camera, 20-year-old Michaela Gainey has captured five pictures from around the county that she has now put before the judges in the hope of being in the running for a £300 prize.

Launched by VisitWiltshire with the backing of the Swindon Advertiser and its sister titles, the popular annual competition has already received a number of entrants.

Michaela, who lives in Walcot and currently works in retail, has wanted to be a photographer since her days at secondary school.

“It is wonderful and it gives me a reason to wander outside of the house more often,” she said.

“Landscapes is a particular subject that I favourite but I am interested in exploring different themes also in order to expand my general knowledge and to enjoy myself.”

She revealed that Lawn Woods in Swindon was one of her favourite places to go with her camera, which led her to submit her colourful image of buttercups.

She said: “My eye was drawn to the flowers because of their colours; it was warm and bright day and they just covered the landscape.

“The general aim of the photograph was to achieve a shallow depth of field as I was experimenting with aperture at the time.

“Avebury Stones captures my general interest as I have a key interest in archaeology. I am interested in how these standing stones shaped the land and their overall purpose. This photograph was captured in the snow – despite the cold it was a brilliant experience - and I wanted to show how the stones stand, how they're positioned, and the beauty they possess.”

Keen to experiment with her photographic equipment her image of trees taken at Badbury Clump used a wide angle lens.

“Upon a glance of this particular scenery I was drawn to the colours, their monumental size, and how captivating it all was. It was beautiful and the nature just dominates,” she said.

“Rolling Clouds was taken during my stroll around Uffington in search for the White Horse that is located there - which I did find! It was a lovely day outside and as I continued further into the landscape I was surrounded by deep blue skies with large clouds.

“Whenever I photograph landscapes I am determined to search for the perfect sky, I was not to waste such an opportunity.”

Her final image of the river at Lechlade is another personal favourite and she revealed she had a real interest in roaming the area and photographing anything that captured her interest.

“The landscape is beautiful and it is a place where you can reconnect with the natural world around you, my aim was to portray this in the picture that I have taken,” she said.

Photographers wishing to enter the contest should send their submissions to photocompetition@visitwiltshire.co.uk. The competition is open to anyone aged 18 and over. In addition to the main prize of a £300 voucher there will also be two runners up prizes of £50 in vouchers as well.

Only colour, digital photos will be accepted and all photographs must be submitted as jpeg or tiff attachments, minimum size 1000 x 700 pixels; minimum resolution 300dpi.

Visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/ideas-and-inspiration/competitions for more details.