This summer, to accompany our exhibition Dorset People: From the Swanage Railway to the Tolpuddle Rally, Shire Hall Museum is pleased to present the My Dorset Young Photographer Competition. This is an opportunity for children and young people to capture and share what makes their local area special.

1. About the Competition

My Dorset is open to young photographers aged 5 to 16, with entries divided into three age categories:

  • Ages 5–8

  • Ages 9–12

  • Ages 13–16

The theme of the competition is Urban Landscape. We’re looking for images that reflect civic or urban elements of Dorset—such as buildings, streets, or public spaces. Nature and wildlife may be included, but the focus should be on the urban environment.

Please note:

  • All entries must be submitted by a parent or guardian, who will be responsible for accepting the competition rules on the entrant’s behalf.

  • By submitting an image, you give consent for the museum to use it for promotional purposes, to print it, and to display it within the museum.

2. How to Enter

Entries open: 25 July at 00:00
Deadline for submission: 22 August at 23:59

To enter, please email your photograph to info@shirehalldorset.org, including the following information:

  • The photographer’s first name

  • The photographer’s age

  • The general location where the photo was taken

  • The relevant age category

  • Contact details for the adult submitting the entry (for updates and notifications)

Each photograph must be taken by someone aged between 5 and 16 years and submitted by a responsible adult.

3. Photo Requirements

  • The image must reflect the theme Urban Landscape

  • Photos may include natural elements, but must feature urban or civic spaces

  • Images must not include:

    • People

    • Interiors of homes or private gardens

    • Clearly identifiable private residences or exterior home features

Image quality:
Photographs should be high enough quality to print clearly. We recommend a minimum resolution of 300 dpi, or at least 2000 pixels on the shortest side.

If you’re unsure about the technical requirements, please send the highest quality version available—we will advise if adjustments are needed.

4. Judging and Prizes

All submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel from Shire Hall Museum.

They will shortlist the entrants to a top 5 per category

These top 5 entrants will be displayed within the museum for the public to view.

The final round of judging will be conducted within the museum by the public. It will be up to them to choose their favourites – the photographs they think capture the spirit of My Dorset the best.

Winners in each age group will receive:

  • A certificate of their win

  • A feature on the museum’s official social media platforms

  • A gift voucher to enjoy a Cream Tea for three at the Shire Hall Museum café. 

Winners will be contacted directly before any public announcements are made.

Runners up in each category will have their photograph featured on the museum social media and receive a gift bag of items from the Shire Hall Museum shop.

For more information or questions about the competition, please contact us at info@shirehalldorset.org. We look forward to seeing how young photographers capture their Dorset.