Specsavers Ópticas is proud to have the award-winning photographer David Tome as a member of the judging panel for their Summer Photography Competition.

Ahead of World Photography Day (19 August) Specsavers Ópticas asked David to share some advice for any budding photographers planning to enter a competition such as theirs.

“I would advise young photographers to get to know the tools they use and the basic rules of photography, so that they can internalise them and not have to be concerned with them. This frees the mind and allows you to focus on creativity.

Before taking a picture, reflect what you want to show to the world.

We have a very rich inner world and there is no greater pleasure than taking photographs that mean something and others can identify with.

Try to find your own style, and be inspired by other photographers and what’s around you. Remember to always enjoy it!

There are many variables from competition, to competition, but I’ve found that to surprise your audience with your subject or framing and ensure that you have good technical execution will always improve your chances of success.

Check what the requirements are to enter and what the jury is looking for, to ensure that your image fits the brief.  It is also very important to pay close attention to the subject matter and technical data requested, as many good images are disqualified because they do not meet the basic parameters required in the rules.

I’d like to wish everyone who will be entering the best of luck and I look forward to seeing all the great entries.”

Specsavers Ópticas are looking for budding photographers aged between 6 and 17 years old, to capture the best image of their summer holidays this year. The competition is open to residents of the provinces of Alicante and Malaga and the island of Mallorca, and you must be aged between 6 and 17. Photographs can be submitted on social media by tagging @SpecsaversOpticas on Facebook and @specsaversspain on Instagram, sending photos via Messenger or via email to spain.marketing@specsavers.com. The competition closes on Sunday 1st September 2024. Terms and conditions apply, which can be found at www.specsavers.es/sorteo

Meet the Judges

David Tome was introduced into the world of photography by his father at the age of 10 and developed his skills in a self-taught capacity, before studying photography. He has had his works published in magazines and media in Spain and abroad, and has been featured in online platforms and exhibitions. He has been involved with many photographic associations over the years and has been awarded the distinction of FAF Artist and FAF Excellence, by the Andalusian Federation of Photography (FAF). He has won several photography awards, had a dozen solo exhibitions and participated in fifty group exhibitions.

David is the President of the photographic association “Colectivo Imagen” and manages the activities of the new Photography Centre in Malaga. He was also a member of the jury for a photography competition as part of the Lectora Prize and was involved in the Andalusian Federation of Photography’s Youth Scholarship programme, so is very well placed to shortlist the top five entries in each category. Find out more on his website www.davidtome.com

He explains, “I have always thought that the younger generations have a lot to contribute. I love being able to help bring out the best in young people, who can be hugely talented and creative, and so I am honoured that Specsavers has asked me to be part of the judging panel for their photography competition.”

David will be joined on the judging panel by Carrie Frais, Director of the website Mum Abroad, a platform providing up-to-date information for English-speaking parents living in Spain, Italy, France, and Germany. She’s delighted to be involved in the competition as she feels like it’s a great way to engage kids during the long summer holidays. She explains; “Encouraging kids to take photos during the summer holidays not only sparks their creativity but also helps them capture and cherish memories. Photography allows them to see the world from different perspectives, develop storytelling skills, and build a visual journal of their adventures, creating lasting keepsakes of their childhood.”

Dispensing Optician Gracie Glister from Specsavers Ópticas in Javea completes the trio of judges. She studied photography and is a keen photographer, loving to capture special moments outside work and is delighted to join the judging panel.

They will judge the entries and shortlist the top five Junior and Senior entries. The shortlisted entries will then be posted on social media and the image with the most likes and comments in each age category will be declared the winners. The best photo in the Junior and Senior categories will win a €50 Amazon voucher and a pair of sunglasses and have their image showcased on social media and in the press.

How to enter

Take an image which really encapsulates the fun of the holidays and explain why this fits the brief of “Best Sights of the School Summer Holidays”.

Submit your best photograph via social media by tagging @SpecsaversOpticas on Facebook and @specsaversspain on Instagram, sending photos via Messenger or via email to spain.marketing@specsavers.com by the end of the day on Sunday 1st September 2024.

The competition is open to residents of the provinces of Alicante and Malaga and the island of Mallorca, and you must be aged between 6 and 17. The competition closes on Sunday 1st September 2024. Terms and conditions apply, which can be found at www.specsavers.es/sorteo