AN annual photographic competition has returned to give budding photographers the chance to show off their work and win a cracking prize.

Launched by VisitWiltshire with the backing of the Swindon Advertiser, the popular competition is now open for entries.

The contest will run until Sunday, September 30, and there will a first prize of £300 gift vouchers to use at Castle Cameras for the best photograph overall.

Photographers are being encouraged to enter by sending in pictures of their favourite views in and around Wiltshire.

Each entrant can submit up to eight pictures per month - but VisitWiltshire photographs taken using drones will not be accepted.

Some will be featured in the Swindon Advertiser throughout the contest before the winning shots are picked.

So how do you capture the perfect shot? Swindon Advertiser photographer Thomas Kelsey passes on some tips...

n Try different light - morning day and night can change a picture totally. Morning sun is totally different to evening.

n Try different perspectives - shoot up, down and from different angles to get your picturess looking different around the same subject.

n Take your time and wait for the “decisive moment”. For example if photographing a busy street, wait to see what happens and capture the action at the right time.

n Try using flash in the day. Use different lighting and flash to get totally different results.

n Sometimes…. just don’t follow the rules. The best photos sometimes are against everything that shouldn’t work. Experiment and don’t be afraid to try something new each time you go out with your camera.

Entries should be sent to photocompetition@visitwiltshire.co.uk. The competition is open to anyone aged 18 and over.

A full list of terms and conditions are available.

In addition to the main prize of a £300 voucher, there will also be two runners up prizes of £50 in vouchers as well.