IRISH AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS got to show off their skills by entering the Irish Photographic Federation (IPF) Print & Projected Image Competition this year.

The event, which was held in association with Canon Ireland, saw Hugh Wilkinson from Creative Photo Imaging Club in Northern Ireland named overall winner.

Hugh was awarded the prestigious award for his image Hard Times, which was taken on his Canon 1DX:

'Hard Times': Hugh Wilkinson, overall winner

Hugh explained the story behind the image:

My wife and l had a four day break in Krakow a couple of years ago and I went hoping to capture a few shots of the area so I packed my Canon 1DX with a couple of lens and that was me happy! As we were making our way back to our hotel I spotted this lady sitting in a nice quiet secluded area and though this is a great picture. I approached the lady and asked to take her photograph. She eagerly agreed and was happy to oblige. She spoke some English and explained that her life hadn’t been easy and that times were hard, hence the title – “Hard Times”.

The national final was held in Kilkenny last Saturday February and saw members of camera clubs from around the country vying for the award.

Another winner was Des Clinton from Drogheda Photographic Club, who scooped top prize in the monochrome print open category for his piece, Horse Boys:

'Horse Boys' - Des Clinton

Thomas Gray from Dundalk Photographic Society won the colour print theme category with his image Red Rose Old House:

'Red Rose Old House' - Thomas Gray

The winner of the monochrome print theme category was Mark Gorman from Blarney Photographic Club for Narrabeen:

'Narrabeen' - Mark Gorman Mark Gorman Mark Gorman

Canon Ireland provided over €4,000 worth of prizes for this year’s competition winners.

Read: 14 incredible winners from this year’s World Press Photo competition>