A PHOTOGRAPHY fan whose awe-inspiring images of the county landed him a spot in the finals of last year's VisitWiltshire photograph competition has urged those with a keen eye for a picture to get snapping.

VisitWiltshire has once again launched their popular annual photographic competition, calling on aspiring, amateur and professional photographers to get out and about in the county to capture the finest views on offer.

Originally from Bristol, photographer Chris Moody has settled in Wroughton and works for an international software technology company in Swindon, as well as devoting some of his time as a volunteer first aider with St John Ambulance.

He still finds time to get out and about with his camera and, following an exhibition of his work last year, he is now encouraging others to put their photographic skills to use.

His own entries in last year's competition saw him selected by the judges in the final three.

"As a finalist from last year, I would like to encourage all budding photographers, young and old to get outside and take some award winning photos," he said.

"It's not about having expensive kit it is, however, about having a keen eye.

"We live in an amazing part of the country, think about different places and locations, then think about how you would like that picture of that place to look. Sunrise, sunset, busy or deserted, be artistic in your imagination then go and get it!

"It is far easier than you think if you plan what you want to achieve."

Castle Cameras in Salisbury are offering a Nikon D3300 camera with 18-55 lens – worth over £300 – for the best photograph overall, plus two runners up prizes of a £50 gift voucher each to spend at Castle Cameras.

After a very busy year last year, in which the tourist board received scores of entries from budding photographers in Swindon and Wiltshire, they are urging snappers to make the most of the fine summer weather and get out and about to capture the most scenic shots they can find.

To be in with a chance of winning, your photos should capture the essence of life in Wiltshire, its people and landscape, and tie in with any of VisitWiltshire's four ‘Timeless’ themes:

• Timeless Wonders: including Stonehenge, Avebury, Salisbury Cathedral, the Kennet & Avon Canal and Wiltshire’s White Horses

• Timeless Places: including market towns, villages and other attractions

• Timeless Pleasures: including shopping, food and drink, festivals and events, arts and entertainment

• Timeless Nature: including big skies, rolling hills, flora and fauna

Entrants can send in up to eight images per calendar month from now until September. To give yourself the best chance of winning you can send in up to eight photographs per calendar month to arrive by midnight on the last day of each month. Only colour, digital photos will be accepted and all photographs must be submitted as jpeg or tiff attachments, minimum resolution 300dpi.

For more details and full terms and conditions visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/competitions or email photocompetition@visitwiltshire.co.uk for an entry form.