Co-ordinating judge photographic artist Eric Schusser said he and fellow judges — Central Lakes Photography wedding photographer Tim Hawkins, Central Otago Heritage Trust trustee and amateur photographer Kristy Rusher and Central Otago District Council regional identity adviser Genevieve Chrystall — spent a lot of time discussing the images.
Organised by the Central Otago Heritage Trust, with support from Tourism Central Otago, the competition offered prizes in three sections — professional, amateur and under-18-years old.
The brief for the photographers was to convey Central Otago’s heritage in images, which would eventually be made available to promote the region through the Central Otago Heritage Trust and Tourism Central Otago’s visual library Mr Schusser said the judges considered many factors, including technique, composition, tone, lighting and focus.
Diverse interpretations of heritage were encouraged, covering natural heritage, built structures and cultural context.
Most importantly, judges considered the emotive impact of each photo, he said.
"We felt the final selection conveyed heritage in many different ways, including the landscape in its rich colours, day and night.
"Space, isolation, perspective, big skies, the early spartan buildings that still cling to the landscape, colonial mansions and hotels, connections to the land and tangata whenua perspectives through the legend of Kopuwai, flora and fauna, local engineering projects and empty roads - these are all markers of our heritage."
Central Otago Heritage Trust co-ordinator Maggie Hope said she was impressed with the interest from young photographers.
“It was great to see local primary schools getting behind the competition.
"We hope these young people continue to develop a passion for the art of photography,” she said.
Amateur photographer winner Amy Hughes said she was over the moon when she heard from Ms Hope.
The Maniototo was her favourite place to photograph.
"No matter which way you look the scenes are stunning, there is always beautiful countryside to capture."
"I love sharing these photos with everyone.
"For some it gives a sense of home and others hopefully the location inspires them to jump in their vehicle and explore Central Otago for themselves."
On the September day she snapped the winning shot she knew it would be the last snow of the season and followed the snow up to Home Hills Run.
"There was a beautiful mist of snow in the background as the sun was streaming down on the hut. . . a few hours later the snow had melted."
She had not thought about what to do with her prize money but a trip to the camera store was on the cards.
An exhibition of 21 of the competitions top photographs would held at the Clyde Museum next month.
