Congratulations to Michael (Mike) Cooper, for scooping the  Isle of Wight Photographer Of the Year Competition 2010.

Michael follows in David Vennings (2009) and Kevin Mitchell’s (2006) footsteps of IWDIG members who have won the IWPOY since its inception..

Together with his winning certificate, Michael also received a large canvas print presented by Councillor Ian Stephens, who is also  the current Isle of Wight Council Chairman.

Over two hundred images were submitted for the annual competition, which is now in its sixth year and Michael took overall first place with this Misty Morning photograph.  Its a double celebration for Michael as another of his Misty Morning photographs was selected to appear in our first IWDIG Calendar 2012.

Lots of other IWDIG members reached the IWPOY shortlist and form part of the exhibition at Quay Arts too!

Mr Cooper, who is retired, said: 

“The image, was one of several I took when I went out early one morning in October.  It was great to find out that my image was shortlisted, there were some fantastic entries.”

IWDIG Founder & IWPOY Administrator, Gary Early, said:

“We had some exceptional images submitted for the 5th IWPOY and we would like to congratulate overall winners Michael, Martin and Jamie, each of whom receive a large canvas print of their entries.”

As a side note, I believe, two of this years winners belong to established island photography clubs.  Michael a member of the IWDIG and Martin (pictured) is Treasurer of Sandown & Shanklin District Camera Club.”

Thanks to Christian Beasley for providing the video below, which provides an overview of the Isle of Wight Photographer of the Year Awards.

Over 100 people attended with 30 photographers receiving awards and Christian received one too!

More video footage can be seen on the IWPOY website www.iwpoy.org and a gallery of photos will be available soon.

All of the IWPOY 2010 shortlisted images, along with a selection of images from Young Isle of Wight Photographers are presently on display at the Quay Arts Centre in Newport. IWPOY Exhibition runs from 7th April until 16th May open daily and entry is free.