Golden Plains Shire’s beautiful surrounds and unique flora and fauna are set to be the centrepiece of Council’s Spring in the Shire Photographic Essay competition, with entries open from Monday 2 October.
This year’s theme is Photo[synthesis] which supports visual storytellers to explore the beauty of the environment, as well as environmental issues and challenges. Amateur photographers of any skill level are encouraged to capture this theme through their lens.
A photographic essay is a form of visual storytelling. For this competition, entrants are required to submit up to 100 words to accompany their image which could be an artist statement, essay, song lyric, poem or diary entry.
In 2023, there are three categories, with 30 photographs to be selected for an exhibition and go in the running to win three cash prizes. This year’s categories are:
• Major Prize (18 years and older)
• Young Adult Prize (13 to 17 years)
• Junior Prize (up to 12 years)
Cr Helena Kirby, RMIT’s Dr Li Ping Thong and Deakin University’s Dr Sean Loughrey will form the judging panel and select the winner of each category, with the announcement of winners to take place at Golden Plains Twilight Market on December 14 at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre.
Golden Plains Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham encouraged amateur photographers to embrace the theme and explore the natural surrounds of Golden Plains Shire with their cameras.
“This competition is a great opportunity for amateur photographers from across the Shire to showcase their talents by capturing the natural beauty of Golden Plains,” Cr Cunningham said.
“The Shire is full of beautiful surrounds, vibrant communities, and amazing flora and fauna. The competition’s theme aims to showcase these unique features that members of the Golden Plains community all share,” he said.
“We hope that entrants will harness their passion, curiosity and creativity to capture images that foster environmental awareness and encourage action.”
Entry and competition details are available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/springintheshire
Images must be no greater than 20MB, be submitted with your written piece and have been taken in Golden Plains Shire within the last 12 months. Entries close at 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 October, 2023 and only one image per artist is allowed.