NZ Geographic Photographer of the Year finalists announced

Finalists announced in New Zealand's Most Prestigious Photo Comp

And the finalists are…

New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2013 finalists are announced

FROM AN ALBATROSS plunging into the sea to a university toga party, the New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2013 offers a fresh vision of our country’s environ­ment and culture.

The finalists of the competition were unveiled last night in Christchurch at the launch of a free, month-long outdoor public exhibition, open daily from today until 8 September.

“There are some exceptionally talented photographers represented in this competi­tion,” says Christchurch Mayor, Bob Parker, “the images are inspirational and make you stop and reflect on what a remarkable place this country is. I encourage people to make the effort to experience the exhibition.”

A total of 39 finalist images and stories were whittled down from 3300 entries, the largest number ever received in the competition across four categories; Society and Culture, Wildlife, Landscape and Photo Story.

Not only did the volume of entries increase this year, the quality of imagery was the best it’s ever been. “I think this is partly due to a step change in quality and affordability of ‘pro-sumer’ level equipment, allowing many more amateurs to shoot images of pro-tech quality,” says New Zealand Geographic editor and convenor of judges, James Frankham. “While professional photographers were well presented among the finalists, around half of the finalists were amateurs, particularly in the Society and Culture, Landscape and Wildlife categories.”

When it came to the Photo Story category however, all four finalists are professional photographers. Says Frankham, “Photo Story is easily the the most difficult discipline for a photographer to master, as the chosen images need to communicate an extra dimension of
narrative.” The finalist photo stories include the Turtle Rehabilitation program at Kelly Tarltons, Tuhoe’s kapa haka culture, the Oamaru Victo­rian Heritage festival, and life aboard a fishing trawler in Cook Strait.

The plethora of entries were judged by internationally recognised professional photographers Andris Apse, Arno Gasteiger, Kim Westerskov and New Zealand Geographic editor, James Frankham.

“Like the viewers, the judges were wanting to be surprised and challenged by the images. They wanted to see representations of our environment that they hadn’t seen before,” says Frankham. “There was an amazing diversity of subject matter entered and some incredible effort and patience invested in the shots.”

“Interestingly, almost all the finalist images in the wildlife category depict the marine environment, which hasn’t been the case in previous years. With 96 per cent of our exclusive economic zone under water, it’s good to see photographers revelling in the new realm.”

The public is invited to put them­selves in the judging chair and vote for their favourite image at www.nzgeo­graphic.co.nz/photocomp.

The winner of the public vote will receive the People’s Choice Award when the category winners of the competition are announced in late October.

Winners of each category receive $1000 cash, publication in New Zealand Geographic and other prizes. The overall New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2013 will receive a further $1000 cash and a berth on board a Heritage Expeditions voyage on assign­ment for New Zealand Geographic magazine. The Young Photographer of the Year 2013 will receive a special mentoring and a workshop with wildlife photographer and judge, Kim Westerskov. Winners will be announced in late October when the free exhibition moves to Auckland’s Viaduct Basin.

Vote for the People’s Choice Award online at www.nzgeographic.co.nz/photocomp

ENDS

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