Caledonian Sleeper launches photography competition celebrating Aberdeenshire and UK beauty spots – Scottish Business News

Caledonian Sleeper has launched a photography competition aimed at encouraging everyone from onboard guests, locals, tourists, train and photography enthusiasts alike to capture views of the most scenic locations on the overnight train’s iconic route.

Running until 31st October, Caledonian Sleeper is calling on participants to share images of their favourite view from their journey or indeed of scenic locations and activities that Caledonian Sleeper has whisked them away to.

From the bright lights and towering skyscrapers of London to the vibrant cities and majestic Highlands of Scotland, Caledonian Sleeper calls at more than 40 stations on its journey from Scotland to London – with some of the country’s most breathtaking sights visible while on board the train or indeed easily accessible from one of its calling points.

The first-place prize is a return journey in an en-suite Club Room onboard the Caledonian Sleeper with dinner plus a £500 Amazon voucher to use on photography equipment. The winner will also have their photo displayed in the Euston Guest Lounge and receive a one-to-one virtual session with renowned photographer and guest judge Tony Marsh. Over the past 30 years, Tony has worked with media outlets such as The Guardian, BBC Countryfile and as the Group Picture Editor for Scotsman Publications, as well as having photographed high-profile names including Keira Knightley, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

Runner-up prizes will also be awarded for creative and engaging shots, with second place receiving a £250 Amazon voucher and third place a £100 voucher to spend on the website.

Images will be judged by a panel from Caledonian Sleeper, including Kathryn Darbandi, Managing Director, Steven Marshall, Head of Sales & Marketing, Kayleigh Bonner, Influencer Marketing & Social Media Executive, and Derek Thompson, Head of Retail & Pricing and amateur railway photographer. Professional photographer Tony Marsh will serve as a guest judge.

Derek Thompson, Head of Retail & Pricing Caledonian Sleeper, said: “We often take for granted just how spectacular the landscape is in the UK, and rail travel is one of the best ways to discover it. As an amateur railway photographer myself, I love finding quirky and lesser-known beauty spots. I’m excited to see what other photography enthusiasts capture along the route.”

Kathryn Darbandi, Managing Director of Caledonian Sleeper, said: “Whether you’re a budding photographer, proud local or a guest onboard the overnight train, we’re inviting everyone from amateurs to professionals to take part in our celebration of our country’s beautiful landscapes. From shots of Caledonian Sleeper in scenic local stations to snaps of incredible or quirky views from the train itself, we’re looking for the most creative and inspiring images that truly showcases the relationship between Caledonian Sleeper and the iconic scenery we pass through each morning and evening.”

To submit your entry into Caledonian Sleeper’s photography competition, visit www.sleeper.scot/photography-competition.http://www.sleeper.scot/photography-competition

To find out more about overnight rail travel between London and Scotland, visit www.sleeper.scot.

Photography Tips from Tony Marsh

The best camera you have is ‘the one you have with you’, which is often your phone camera. Always be ready not to miss that shot.
Turn your flash off if you’re shooting through glass.
Always keep your lens clean.
Zoom with your feet! Move closer or further away.
Change your angle/viewpoint by lying on the ground or holding your phone above your head.
Use your edit app to enhance the colours or crop your image. Don’t use AI, Photoshop or any other tool to ‘change the content’ of your photograph.
Think framing, composition and light.
Have fun, take lots of photographs and pick the best one.