Water sports, children, dogs, birds and Otago's panoramic landscapes have been favourite subjects among the 516 entries in this year's Otago Daily Times Magic Moments readers' photography competition.
But the winning image was a standout, ODT illustrations editor Stephen Jaquiery said yesterday.
"It was innovative, quirky and made you smile."
Jason Newton, of Christchurch, was holidaying in Dunedin with his family when, with the co-operation of his sons, he captured the illusion of one son apparently pulling his own head out of the sand.
Mr Newton was unable to be contacted last night.
There were many water-centric entries this year, Mr Jaquiery said, putting that down to the Otago's "tremendous" summer weather.
While Mr Newton's photograph also included water, it was "different and made you look twice".
The number of entries was well up on previous years and the standard was higher, he said.
Mr Newton wins an EOS 1100D camera, twin lenses, a camera bag and a lens-cleaning cloth together valued at $1399.
Everyone whose photograph was published can take their original file to Jonathan's Photo Warehouse, in George St, Dunedin, to receive a free enlargement.
All 248 entries that were short-listed for possible publication will be placed online at www.odt.co.nz early next week.
