The IAM RoadSmart photography competition is now closed

See many of the entries here

Do you never take a trip without a camera? We’re running a contest to find the best original and new photographs (not taken while driving) from IAM RoadSmart members.

We’d like to see road trips, commutes, scenery, destinations, vehicles, weekend rides or drives… any subject that you think fellow members will find interesting and that embodies what being an IAM RoadSmart member is all about. Your images could even be used in future IAM RoadSmart literature or on our website, earning you some extra cash as well.

The competition is now closed, thank you to the many entrants!

The winners will be announced and contacted in January 2018.

The entries will be judged by The Royal Photographic Society, and the winner will get a branded IAM RoadSmart goodie bag worth £500 and one year's free membership with The RPS. Ten runners-up will each receive £50 IAM RoadSmart vouchers.

A few tips on how to capture the moment

As a driver or rider, you are in pole position to capture great photographs of the landscape and places through which you pass. Whether you are using a smartphone or the latest DSLR, here are four top tips from the Royal Photographic Society to help you get the best from your camera:

1. The ‘golden hours’ light before sunset and after sunrise will be better for photography. Even if the weather is poor, storm clouds can add drama and mood.

2.  Use the basic rules of composition, including the ‘rule of thirds’, as your starting point, and then feel free to break them. Use roads to lead the viewer into the scene. Don’t be afraid to include man-made structures and people; they are part of the landscape and will add a sense of scale.

3. A polarising filter and a graduated neutral density filter can be useful on a DSLR to get the best from the scene you are photographing.

4. Finally, try to include interesting foregrounds or a strong point of interest in your shot. And do make sure you are parked safely when you leave your car or bike!

The competition is open to current full IAM members only. Each member may enter as many times as they wish.

The competition closes on the 30th November 2017 and all entries received before that date will be considered.

Please remember to include your membership number with each of your email entries.

The first prize is one IAM RoadSmart branded document bag filled with £500 worth of IAM merchandise and vouchers of your choice.

Ten runners up prizes of £50 IAM RoadSmart vouchers will also be awarded. 

The winner will be selected by a member of The Royal Photographic Society and will be judged on the skill and composition used to create a unique image that best captures the spirit of IAM RoadSmart and our love of driving and riding in the UK and beyond.

A condition of entry is that you agree that your image may be used in IAM RoadSmart communication literature. IAM RoadSmart will pay the photographer of any image used £100 for unlimited usage.

All photographs taken must be original and taken by the entrant themselves between the 25th January and the 30th November 2017. No historical images or images not taken by the entrant can be submitted.