TWO members of staff from the Appleby Group’s Isle of Man office were recently judged the first and second prize winners in the group’s global photography competition to raise money for charity.
Forty entries were received from Appleby staff, from offices across all 12 jurisdictions in the group, which were then shortlisted according to photographic skill, composition, creativity and artistic ability.
The judging panel went on to select three finalists from the shortlist of 14 images.
First prize went to Jan Treger for his photograph of Castletown Lighthouse. Originally from the Czech Republic, Jan has lived in the Island since 2007.
He said: "The Isle of Man is a place where you can take great pictures. It has a beautiful coastline, picturesque little towns and breathtaking landscape views.
"I took this picture one early morning in autumn on my way to work. The clouds in the sky were looking very dramatic and the colour of the rising sun was beautiful – I think lighthouses are my favourite objects to photograph.
"The most important thing is that my effort was judged worthy and that the money will go to a good cause."
Second prize was awarded to Manxman Mark Davison for his photo of Ballaglass Glen.
Mark said: "There are so many stunning vistas and charming glens on our doorstep that they are easy to overlook when you've spent your life living on the Island.
"Ballaglass Glen is one of my favourite spots as there are so many photo opportunities there.
"I love taking photographs that others find interesting or unusual. The shot that made second place was taken by slowing down the shutter speed to make the running water look misty.
"Landscape photography is my favourite as the subject doesn't tend to move or answer back and you don't have to ask it to pose!"
Jan has elected to donate his prize money to the Ballakermeen School Association, which provides horse-riding and stable management lessons for children with disabilities, special needs and behavioural difficulties.
Mark will be donating his prize to the Mann Cat Sanctuary in Santon.
