Seventeen-year-old Sam McGee has been named Tūhura Otago Museum’s photographer of the year.
Water Wings, a picture of a white-faced heron in mid-motion, emerged as the winner among more than 4450 entries from around the world.
“This stunning image of the heron in its breeding plumage impressed us with its excellent composition and moody, almost monochromatic tones,” the judging panel said.
“The patience in waiting for the heron to dip its beak into the water really paid off, the droplets add dynamic movement to the photo.”
Runner-up for photographer of the year was Neale McLanachan for A balanced meal (juvenile male tomtit).
As well as being the overall winner of the competition, Sam was placed first in the youth wildlife category and his Lone Lion submission also earned him a runner-up spot.
Sam’s 15-year-old brother, Monty McGee, debuted at the competition with Pūteketeke Yoga – of a native crested grebe – and was also named a runner-up in the wildlife youth category.
Exhibition manager and competition judge Shanaya Cunningham said the judging process was done anonymously, but the McGees’ images stood out.
“Finding out it was Monty’s first time entering took us all by surprise due to the detail and expertise in his image.”
The youngest is just 15 years old, but he’s already logged 189 different species of birds. (Source: 1News)
Marketing manager Charlie Buchan said the competition was growing every year.
“It’s a brilliant showcase of photographic talent and a celebration of nature from New Zealand’s wildlife capital.”
An exhibition, Otago’s Lens on the Wild World, will showcase the best from the competition across four key categories: wildlife, landscape, botanical, and natural abstract.
It opens from June 26 until October 12 at Tūhura Otago Museum. Entry is free.
Tūhura Photography Competition winners
Tūhura Otago Museum photographer of the year
Sam McGee– Water Wings
Runner-up – Neale McLanachan – A Balanced Meal
Youth wildlife photography
Sam McGee – Water Wings
Runner up: Monty McGee – Pūteketeke Yoga
Botanical photography winners
Cora Bedwell – Chinese Gentian Flowers
Liam Townsend (Youth category) – Ferns of Bream Head
Landscape photography winner
Roshan Dixon – Sky Over The Sounds
Natural abstract photography winner
Conor Macfarlane – Floral Flow
First time entrant winner
Giles Bryant – Kekerengu Dolphins
Otago Daily Times’ Choice
Jordan Turner – Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head
The OPERA’s Choice
Luca Nikkel – Hierodoris frigida moth
Primary school entrant – The Breeze’s Choice
Luca Nikkel – Green and golden bell frog
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