The Sherborne Photography Competition was launched earlier this year as part of a wider initiative across North Dorset. In collaboration with Visit Dorset and neighbouring towns – Blandford Forum, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton. The competition aimed to spotlight the beauty, culture and community of each town, while encouraging creativity among residents and visitors alike. Participants were invited to submit photographs that captured what makes Sherborne special, whether through iconic landscapes, architectural charm, or moments of everyday life.
The competition opened for entries on 14th February 2025 and received an enthusiastic response across all age groups and categories. Following the closing date on 28th March, a panel of local judges shortlisted up to ten entries per category: Under 18s, 18 and Over, and Professional Photographers. The shortlisted photographs were then exhibited from 9th May in The Digby Hall, Hound Street, where the public were invited to cast their votes online.
A spotlight on local talent
The three photographs receiving the most votes in each category were selected to represent Sherborne in the North Dorset Photography Awards and Exhibition, held in June 2025 at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton. This regional final brought together the best entries from each town and offered a broader celebration of the region’s talent.
Congratulations to the winners of the public vote for Sherborne, who went on to represent the town in the North Dorset photography competition. They were:
Professional
Shadows of Remembrance – Catherine Molineux
A Hardy Town – Catherine Molineux
Joint third:
The Dorset Moon – Paul Dibben
Noctilucent Clouds over Sherborne – Paul Dibben
Glorious Sherborne – Paul Dibben
18+
Baby Blue Tits’ first flight near Leigh Village Hall – Roy Tam
Snow on the Terraces – Laura Ford
Misty Morning – Paul Mills
Under 18
As Above, So Below – Ben Molineux
Bright Juxtaposition – Ben Molineux
Joint third:
Gothic Graveyard – Hunter Parton
A bug and a flower – Ethan Woodridge
Winner of Winners Award Ceremony
The final part of the competition was a public award ceremony held on Saturday 21st June, with His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Mr. Michael Dooley LVO MMs FRCOG present. Judged by renowned landscape photographer Charlie Waite, the event celebrated the photography talent in North Dorset, along with shining a light on the many attractions for visitors to the area.
“Congratulations to Catherine Molineux for winning the Best Photo for Sherborne with ‘A Hardy Town’.
Thank you to all the entrants of the Sherborne Photography Competition this year.
If you would like to see all the shortlisted entries and learn more about the competition, visit https://northdorsetphoto.co.uk.
With thanks to Alexandra Von Clemens for photos from the awards ceremony.
