Discover first direct


And the
winner is... Ali Evans

This fantastic photo was voted as the winning entry from a shortlist of seven. Congratulations to Ali, whose picture of happiness, along with the others shortlisted entries, can be seen in first direct’s current advertising campaign!

Find out more below about Ali's winning photo and how she enjoyed the exclusive photoshoot experience she won as part of the prize…

View the photo View the gallery

The winners photo

A quick chat with winner Ali Evans

We chatted to photography enthusiast Ali about her love of the lens, her winning photograph and how she enjoyed her prize.

  • How long have you been interested in photography?

    Since forever! I am always dredging up photographs I took of school friends and work friends to put on Facebook. I often took my camera into school!

  • Can you reveal some of the top tricks of the trade you've learned whilst on your photography masterclass?

    So much information but invaluable tips on lighting and composition.

  • Tell us the story behind your winning photograph?

    The picture was really spur of the moment: the heavens opened and my daughter ran outside, as she loves the rain. I grabbed my camera and snapped! I’m just starting out in photography and want to make more of it, so this has been a great opportunity.

  • Other than your photography masterclass, what sights or activities do you plan to make the most of whilst you're in London?

    We're going to the London Eye later to spot all the landmarks, and then hopefully on to Covent Garden for some good food and a wander around!

  • How do you feel about having your photography featured on billboards across London?

    Absolutely thrilled, I've had spotters out all over London!

Winner Ali’s photography weekend

The Shortlist

  • Berend Rah submitted Sandman

    Short listed photo
  • Jon Skidmore submitted Rain Stopped, Rides Open

    Short listed photo
  • Rachel Thompson submitted If I could I'd bottle it

    Short listed photo
  • Ross Asquith submitted Why wear wellies?!

    Short listed photo
  • Peter Stone (taken by Paul French) submitted Freefalling over Devon

    Short listed photo
  • Liz Barnes submitted A Happy Husband

    Short listed photo

How does it work?

  1. 1. Submit a photo - 23 Aug – 2 Sept

    Upload a photo from your computer. Please note, any images uploaded here will also appear in the Facebook gallery.

  2. 2. The photos are shortlisted - 3 – 5 Sept

    An independent judge will review all the entries and shortlist the best seven photos.

  3. 3. Voting - 6 – 10 Sept

    The final seven photos will be put to the public vote. You can vote for your favourite photo on Facebook or by text.

  4. 4. Winner announced - 12 Sept

    The lucky winner of our fantastic photography prize will be announced – keep your fingers crossed!

View the competition's Terms and Conditions.

Competition closed

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Which is your favourite?

Take a look at the gallery and view all the competition entries and see which ones were shortlisted.

Browse the gallery