14 September 2009
Spirit of Tasmania CEO
Charles Griplas today announced details of 'Capture the Spirit' -
an exciting search to find and reward Australia's quiet achievers
in the world of photography. The people behind Bass Strait's iconic
ships are looking for photographs by enthusiastic and talented
Australian snappers that celebrate and engage with the beauty of
Tasmania.
Mr Griplas said, "Whether it's capturing that idyllic shot of the
sun setting over the stunning Cradle Mountain, a group of friends
sharing the delights of Hobart or a couple bush walking in the
picturesque Wine Glass Bay, Spirit of Tasmania wants to share your
pictures with the world. And what's more, there are great prizes to
be won including digital SLR cameras and holidays.
"We were inspired by Peter Dombrovskis and Olegas Truchanas, two
famous photographers who were passionate about Tasmania and its
unique landscape. A desire to capture the visually stunning
environment is shared by many, not just by the professional
photographer.
"We are consistently amazed and delighted by the hundreds of
Spirit of Tasmania passengers who share details of their trips
online with blogs and pictures. We want to provide a platform to
ensure the general public's photographic work is given due
recognition. We plan to bring their previously unseen snaps
together on our website and reward their talents."
The 'Capture the Spirit' photograph collection will be displayed
online, as part of a specially designed virtual gallery. The
winning photographs will receive a state-of-the-art Canon 1000 twin
lens digital SLR camera plus accessories, so budding photographers
can hone their skills even further! Plus there are Spirit of
Tasmania journeys and Discovery Holiday Parks' accommodation
packages for selected categories.
The judging panel consists of Tasmanian based photographer Geoff
Murray, Philip Lennard of the Australian Photography Association
and Spirit of Tasmania's CEO Charles Griplas.
On behalf of the judges, Geoff Murray said, "Tasmania has some of
the world's most stunning scenery that inspires great photographs.
This is an excellent way not only to recognise undiscovered
photography talent, but also to gather their great pictures and
show off all that Tasmania has to offer."
There's a 'Best Kid's Photo Award' category, which is open to
those aged 12 years and under, and Spirit of Tasmania is also
linking up with the 'Save the Tasmanian Devil Program' by including
a special charity category entitled 'My Favourite Tassie Devil'.
The judges will be looking for creativity so perhaps a Looney Tunes
style Taz or your Tasmanian Devil tie will come in handy! Of
course, photographs of the real thing will be accepted too.
The Save the Tasmanian Devil program is the official response to
the Devil Face Tumour Disease which has caused a major population
decline amongst the species. The Australian and Tasmanian
Governments and the University of Tasmania have established this
partnership in order to protect the Tasmanian Devil.
Two of the winning photographs will be selected by the public
via online voting. A 'Tasmania's Choice Award' will encourage
patriotic Tasmanians to get involved and vote for their favourite
photograph whilst the rest of Australia will also have their say,
through the 'People's Choice Award' category.
Call for nominations are open until 30 November. Entry to this
competition is via website only at spiritoftasmania.com.au Full
terms and conditions can be found on the above website.
-ends-
For media enquires please contact:
Soniya Fernandez, Communications Coordinator
Spirit of Tasmania
(03) 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898
saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
