NI student wins National Trust photo competition

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20903962

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A 22-year-old student from Northern Ireland has won a national photography competition with a picture she took on her smartphone in her parents' garden.

Laura Elliot, from County Fermanagh, took the overall prize in the National Trust competition, beating more than 5,700 entries.

The shot is a close-up of a bee hovering above a foxglove.

The Queen's University dentistry student said photography was just a hobby and she was "shocked" by her win.

The National Trust asked people to take photographs that would capture the spirit of its co-founder Octavia Hill, who believed in the importance of spending time outside.

Prizes were awarded in four categories, one of them being smartphone photographs.

The winning images were chosen by a panel of experts, including top professional photographers.

'Spirit'

Ms Elliot told the Press Association (PA): "It was late in the afternoon so there was just enough light to capture the shot.

"I feel this photo represents my space, reflects my love for nature, photography and captures the spirit of the competition."

Her photograph was submitted to the judge by her parents, who are both members of the National Trust.

The student said: "My mum takes great pride in the garden so it always looks great and that's where I'd take most of my photos.

"Lots of people think the quality on smartphones isn't as good but I think it's great."

The quality also seemed to impress the judges, who awarded her picture the overall prize.

The winning entries will all feature in the spring edition of National Trust magazine.