Deadline extended to Feb 28th!
the orchards shopping centre
2026 Community Photography Competition
"The Orchards Through Your Lens"
The Orchards Shopping Centre is inviting budding photographers of all ages to take part in an exciting new competition celebrating life in and around one of the town’s most vibrant community spaces.
Whether it’s an eye-catching architectural detail, a lively moment among shoppers, or a creative interpretation of the centre’s atmosphere, entrants are encouraged to capture what makes The Orchards unique.
The winning images will be showcased on a brand-new website, with a range of prizes on offer and special recognition for standout talent. It’s a chance for local creatives to share their vision – and for the community to see The Orchards through a fresh lens.
Eligibility
We are placing the emphasis on having a bit of FUN! January is a dull month, and we encourage any budding photographer to have a go. You don’t have to have a special camera or equipment, just an interest in photography and a creative mind to help make our shopping centre look fantastic.
Open to amateur and budding photographers of all ages. If you can 'point and shoot' you're in!
Enter up to 3 images by 28th February to be in with a chance of winning some great prizes.
Employees of The Orchards Shopping Centre, associated partners, and immediate family members may enter too - the only exception is the management team and direct employees can't win prizes!
The Brief
We are looking for a mixture of images to showcase our shopping centre throughout the year.
Photos must be taken in or around The Orchards Shopping Centre (interior, exterior, shops, street scenes, architecture, markets or people (with permission). No images of children and no direct images of faces please. If identifiable people appear in your photo, you must obtain their permission.
Photos must not depict anything unsafe, illegal, or taken from restricted areas.
No photographing individuals in private or sensitive situations without explicit consent.
Images can be creative, documentary, abstract, or stylistic, as long as the location is recognisable or clearly inspired by the area.
Entry Requirements
Entrants must provide the following information along with up to 3 images in either jpeg or png format via email HERE.
Open to amateur and budding photographers Of all ages. If you can 'point and shoot' you're in! * Under 16's will need parental consent to enter.
Basic editing is fine, heavy manipulation that fundamentally alters the image is not allowed, neither is AI generated content.
If files are deemed unsafe to open your entry will be void. WeTransfer is allowed.
Send your name, location (just the area is fine), and contact number to the email above.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS - 28th February
The Judges
A panel of judges appointed by The Orchards Shopping Centre will assess all entries. The Judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding results. This competition is all about fun and community. Our judges are giving up their time for free. Entries will be judged on:
Creativity & Originality
Interpretation of the Theme
Emotional Impact & Story Telling
Miranda Virgo
Miranda Virgo brings over a decade of creative experience as a wedding and function photographer, capturing unforgettable moments with an eye for detail and storytelling. Recently, she has joined the management team at The Orchards Shopping Centre, where she combines her artistic sensibility with a passion for community engagement and exceptional visitor experiences.
Kerry-Anne Kitson
Kerry-Anne is supporting The Orchards with the marketing and events programme for 2026.
She will be responsible for sharing your images across our platforms and making them look great on our website.
“I’m utterly useless with a camera, can’t take a selfie to save my life but know how to make images work well on screen and in print. I’m looking forward to seeing The Orchards be brought to life with a new lens.”
Matt Goddard
Local award winning photographer Matt specialises in landscape & seascape photography in the England, and his home of Sussex.
He teaches photography privately to individuals and groups, has taught 300+ students since 2016 and has volunteered his time to assist with judging and has a couple of great prizes in the mix too.
You can view Matt’s work and workshops here.
The Prizes
Overall Winner
• Your picture displayed – with credit in our shopping centre, on our social media and on our website. You will be seen by thousands!
• £50 voucher to spend at a retailer of your choice within The Orchards Shopping Centre
• A 2 hour private photography lesson with award winning photographer Matt Goddard (view our judging panel). Enhance your skills with a 1:1 session. *must be local to Haywards Heath or willing to travel.
Public Choice Award
We aren’t leaving it all to our judges – after all it’s a community competition so we are giving our community the chance to choose their favourite. These will be from a selected shortlist by our judging panel and will be published for voting on our social media channels.
The winner of this category will receive:
• Your picture displayed – with credit in our shopping centre, on our social media and on our website. You will be seen by thousands!
• A 2 hour private photography lesson with award winning photographer Matt Goddard (view our judging panel). Enhance your skills with a 1:1 session. *must be local to Haywards Heath or willing to travel.
Best Creative Interpretation
Use your imagination – exactly how can you showcase our shopping centre with the most creative flair? We are really looking forward to this category!
The winner will receive:
• Your picture displayed – with credit in our shopping centre, on our social media and on our website. You will be seen by thousands!
• £50 Voucher to spend at a retailer of your choice within The Orchards Shopping Centre.
Under 16’s Champion
We don’t want to exclude anyone from the competition, especially as our youngsters see our world through a younger lens!
The winner will receive:
• Your picture displayed – with credit in our shopping centre, on our social media and on our website. You will be seen by thousands!
• £50 Voucher to spend at a retailer of your choice within The Orchards Shopping Centre.
Terms & Conditions
Publication & Usage Rights
The Orchards Shopping Centre may use submitted photographs (with credit) on its website, social media, promotional materials, and in related press coverage. Entrants retain full copyright over their images. Images will not be sold or used commercially outside the competition without additional permission.
Data Protection
Personal data will be used solely for the purpose of administering the competition. Contact details will not be shared with third parties, except as required to deliver prizes. Participants may request deletion of their data after the competition has concluded or you may wish to stay on our mailing list to see updates. You never know when your images may be featured!
Disqualification
Entries may be removed if they:
• Breach rules on permissions or safety
• Contain offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content
• Are found to be heavily AI-generated or copied from another source
• Fail to meet technical submission requirements
Acceptance of Rules
Entry into the competition implies full acceptance of these rules.
Right to withdraw
The Orchards reserves the rights to withdraw or extend the deadline at any time. Entrants will be notified.
