A new category has been introduced to this year’s Lakeland Photo Competition, which is to attract teens like Kane Jones, Tyrone Henson and Noah Paradise to take part.
CAPE York photographer and competition judge Tess Buhmann has tipped a unique perspective on the everyday and wow factor as two things to focus on for entrants of the fifth annual Lakeland Photo Competition.
Ms Buhmann has judged the competition several times and said every time the entries inspired her all over again.
“Every time I see someone doing something creative I get inspired again,” the Cooktown-based photographer of more than 25 years said.
“Every single year it gets bigger and better, the prizes are more amazing and it’s so well done.
“I’m looking forward to being part of it again.”
Ms Buhmann said when judging she was always looking for the fundamental elements of photography, such as composition and lighting, but the images also had to have appeal.
“If they have all the fundamentals, then I’m also looking at whether it’s unique or unusual or has that wow factor,” she said.
“I like to see something ordinary portrayed in a different or unique way.”
There are more than $3000 in prizes across five categories, with entries closing on 22 August ahead of the big award event on Saturday 26 August at the Lakeland Town Hall.
Organiser Sam Simmonds said this year the group had introduced the Snapchat Worthy category to appeal to teen snappers.
“We’ve introduced that to keep up with the times and try get a few more entries from teenagers,” the Lakeland local said.
“We have changed the prizes quite a bit too and have photography charter flights as first prizes for all the categories – we had to change the budget to be able to manage it, but it’s worth it.”
Mr Simmonds, who was a teacher at Lakeland State School, has moved to nearby Laura and said his primary students were excited to be part of the competition.
“We had a school trip recently out to the rock art sites and the kids have taken photos and they’re constantly asking if they can enter them in the photo competition,” he said.
“I know all the kids in my class hadn’t used an actual SLR camera, they were amazed with it and the way it worked and one of them wants to be a photographer now.
“It’s pretty good the photo competition has opened them up to something else and allowed that opportunity for them.”
More than 25 entries were already in, with hundreds more expected before the judging and public display on 26 August, Mr Simmonds said.
“It’s become quite a part of the community, the kids in Lakeland all talk about it all through the year and people look forward to it.
“We’ve got new prizes this year, they are bigger and better, so get snapping and get entering.”
Everyone is welcome to the photo competition judging and display, on Saturday 26 August from 4pm at the Lakeland Town Hall.
There will be hot food, a bar, live music from Lakeland songstress Jazz Chapman and all the photo competition entries on display.
Visit Lakeland Progress Association on Facebook or phone Mr Simmonds on 0429 995 094 for more information.
