Four local amateur photographers have been recognized for their images captured at this year's Abbotsford International Airshow.
More than 2,000 photographers from 35 different communities across the province entered the "Your Best Shot" contest sponsored by Black Press and London Drugs.
Seventy finalists were then selected and given VIP passes to the Abbotsford Airshow, where they then entered three photographs in three different categories - Best Air Photo, Best Static Photo and Best Crowd Photo, along with one wildcard entry by each photographer.
Each winning entry was judged by a panel of professional photographers.
For aircraft maintenance engineer and Surrey resident Steve Dutt, winning the Next Generation Amateur Photographer of the Year Award was an honour, but also came as quite a shock.
"I've always had an artistic flair," said Dutt, "and I've always liked photography, but I've never really had any opportunity to dive into it."
Duff also won first place in the Best Crowd Photo category for a close-up shot of a young child holding a toy airplane.
"One of the photos that was picked for me to be one of the 70 finalists was actually shot on my iPhone" said Dutt laughing. "That's why I'm still in shock."
Along with the top title, Dutt was awarded a $250 London Drugs gift certificate.
Another Surrey photographer, Ken McAllister, won first place and a $750 London Drugs gift certificate in the Best Air Photo category with his shot of two P51 Mustangs he captured during an evening show.
McAllister, a web developer, recently purchased a D7000 Nikon and rented a 70-400mm lens for the event.
"It was a great event and we were treated so well," said McAllister. "It was so much fun, I'll be entering again next year for sure."
Abbotsford's Paul Kendall won a $250 gift certificate for his Best Static Photo, and Christina Dutkowski of Mission took home the People's Choice Award. Dutkowski won tickets to the Brad Paisley concert.
All of the winners also received tickets to an upcoming Alan Jackson concert and Surrey golf passes.