2019 Nature Photography Winners Announced

Published on 04 June 2019

Cr Drew Wickerson, Alexya Yarrow, Karen Lingard, Mae Robinson, Jasmine Mick, Tian Long.jpg

Rockhampton Regional Council has announced the winners of the second ever Nature Photography Competition, after receiving nearly 200 entries.

Stunning spider webs, spectacular sunsets and peckish Spoonbills feature on the images that took a top prize.

Council’s Environment spokesperson, Councillor Drew Wickerson, said the quality of the entries was outstanding.

“We all know how beautiful the region we live is, but the skill of those who entered really will make you see it in a whole new light.

“It was a real joy to explore our natural landscape through other people’s perspective, and choosing the winners was certainly a challenge.

“There were three themes for people to express through photography as part of the competition, as well as a professional category and a category for our young, budding photographers. The junior category saw two winners awarded, each just 9 and 13 years old!

“From today until June 22, the shortlisted and winning entries will be on display at the Rockhampton Regional Library in Bolsover Street. They’re part of a display to celebrate World Environment Day, which is June 5, so be sure to stop in and have a look.

“You’ll also be able to enjoy them at Council’s Environmental Sustainability display the Rockhampton Show next week.

“Thank you again to all of our local shutterbugs and congratulations to our winners,” Cr Wickerson said.

Tian Long, winner of Celebrating our Natural Landscapes, said:

“Our region has an amazing landscape, as an immigrant I am deeply falling love with it.

“I like to capture any beautiful moments to share with my family and friends who encourage me so much. 

“This is my first time participating in any photo competition and I am so elated by this award. Thanks to Rockhampton Regional Council for providing the opportunity.”

Jasmine Mick, winner of the professional category, said:

“It was really exciting to find out I had won the professional section, there are so many great photographers in our region so I truly feel honoured.

“There are so many beautiful places in Rocky if you take the time to look at them and I'm so glad I get to showcase my little spot of the Fitzroy.”

Alexya Yarrow, 9, one of the Budding Young Photographer winners, said:

"I was very excited to find out that I had won first place. I love going out and practicing taking photos with my Dad, it's a really fun thing to do."

Mae Robinson, who also won the Budding Young Photographer category, said:

“Our local region has marvellous landscapes! From the back of my house, I have a perfect view of the sunset, so a majority of my photos are generally of the sky of the sunsets.

“My dad and I have been driving to different places around Rockhampton to get good views and photos, which has in return sharpened my photography skills.

“Winning a large competition such as this for me had a large positive impact. Winning in this competition made me feel confident about my abilities and very happy and proud of how far I’ve progressed since when I first took up photography.”

You can view all the winning and shortlisted photos on our facebook page.

 

Budding young photographer (2 winners)

“Sunset Spiderweb” by Alexya Yarrow, 9
Spiderweb on a barbed wire fence taken at Springer’s Lagoon, Gracemere.
“Bird in the mirror” by Mae Robinson, 13
Cormorant drying itself with reflection in the water at Murray Lagoon, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

Connecting with nature

“Evening Light” by Russel Prothero

A couple enjoy a view of the sunset from Nurim Circuit Elevated Boardwalk Fraser Park, Mount Archer.

Native flora and fauna

“Great catch” by Karen Lingard

Spoonbill hunting a morning feed at Murray Lagoon near Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

Celebrating our natural landscapes

“Wetland” by Tian Long

Boundless wetland along Port Alma Road at Port Alma.

Professional

“Sunset reflections on the Fitzroy” by Jasmine Mick

Clouds reflecting on the Fitzroy River during Sunset.

The junior winners shared $250 and each received a prize pack. All other winners received $250 plus a prize pack.