First, there were many hundreds. Then it was down to just 30hugely talented individuals, for the chance to represent Hot Press as our official Sony Xperia™ photographer.

The judges deliberated. They considered. They debated. And finally they decided... that the winner is...
CHANELE McGUINNESS

Charlene is now Electric Picnic-bound and will be taking shots there for Hot Press using the Sony Xperia™. With Picnic sold out and excitement mounting for its 10th Birthday spectacular, it's the perfect setting for any photographer to capture unforgettable images and memories.

"Charlene's style is very original and quirky," said Russell Keating of Sony. "The standard overall was so high that there was an agonising choice to be made, but I think she will produce great shots at Electric Picnic. I'm really looking forward to seeing them."

"In truth, it was one of the toughest calls we have ever been involved in making," said Niall Stokes, editor of Hot Press. "The quality of the entries was brilliant – but Chanele is a very special talent and I think we can expect really good things from her in the future."

Special Commendations were also offered by the judges (with comments by Sony's Russell Keating) to Declan Courell ("Amazing scenic and movement shots"), Rory Sugrue ("Superb festival scenes") and Aidan Kelly Murphy ("Really effective use of light").

"One of the tough things about a competition like this is knowing that there are so many good people, with real talent, who will in the end be disappointed," Niall Stokes added. "We singled out three of the other entrants for commendation because of the exceptionally fine quality of their work. But, in truth, there were so many entries that were really impressive. All I can say is that there will be other opportunities in the future. In the meantime, a big salute to everyone who entered. Thanks for making our job so difficult."

Donegal native Chanele joins Team Hot Press at Electric Picnic this weekend where, armed with her brand new Sony Xperia™ Z with 13MP camera, HDR video and 1080 Full HD front camera, she will capture an array of festival highlights. Those photographs will be given pride of place in their own double-page post-Picnic Hot Press spread.

If you're among the 35,000 lucky enough to have tickets – see you there...