The winner of the SunLive and Tourism Bay of Plenty Bay Beaches Photo Competition adult section is Judea photographer Donna Beck.

Her winning photograph captured a fun moment in Pilot Bay where two young sisters were enjoying a boogie board ride.

The winning photo in the senior category by Donna Beck; Amber and Zara Gleeson ride a boogie board in Pilot Bay.

Donna, who has been getting serious about improving her photography during the last two months, says it is a great thrill to win.

To capture the natural action shot that she wanted, Donna waded out into the bay and waited for the children to pass by.

'The best shots to me are always natural rather than posed and capture the atmosphere – that was what I was going for.”

The runner-up in the 17-plus-years section was Andy Morris for a moody shot he took along the beach to Mauao from Papamoa in a magical light.

The winning entry in the under-17-years age group was by Claire Roderick of fishing off Matata Beach.

The photograph showed balanced composition and colours.

The runner-up in this section was Daniel Hines for an image of a busy Mount Maunganui Main Beach scene – capturing the enjoyment and fun of the beachgoers.

Claire says she is 'absolutely rapt” to win the competition.

The awards were judged by Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Glenn Ormsby and Sun Media general manager and photographer Ross Brown. Ross says the response to the competition was excellent with a high standard of entries.

This made it difficult for them to separate the top images.

Glenn says it was great to see so many top photos of the area's beautiful beaches being enjoyed – including three of the four winning shots – 'showing concerns about the Rena's impact is well behind us”.

'To me the great standard of photos taken by all these people shows just how much people here in the Bay love their beaches.”

The winners each won a prize to one of the Bay's top attractions – including Waimarino Adventure Park, Kiwi 360, rides on the Kaituna Jet or a trip with Pee Jay White Island Tours.

The runner-up photo in the senior category by Andy Morris; Bad weather sets in over the Mount – thumbs up or thumbs down? The clouds ask the question.

The winning photo in the junior category by Claire Roderick; Tai Bridgeman and Gareth Roderick enjoy some surfcasting at Pikowai Beach.

The runner-up photo in the junior category by Daniel Hines; A tempting scene at Mount Maunganui.