16 December 2009
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Tasmania's Choice winners
16 December 2009
Spirit of Tasmania CEO Charles Griplas today announced the winners
of its 'Capture the Spirit' national photography competition.
The winners from Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia
and Tasmania will share in a prize pool of over $8,000 in travel
and photographic prizes. From the heights of Cradle Mountain, to
the beauty of Freycinet, from gorgeous waterfalls to children
frolicking in sparklingly clear rivers, Australian photographers,
amateur and professional, have shared their Tasmanian experience
generously. With almost 1700 photos submitted and over 19,000
online votes tallied, visitors to Tasmania have truly celebrated
their efforts in 'Capturing the Spirit' of our Tasmanian holiday
island.
In September, Spirit of Tasmania launched the nationwide, 11
week search to find the public's unseen photographic gems
encapsulating the natural beauty and experience of Tasmania.
Charles Griplas, Spirit of Tasmania CEO said, "Originally we
were inspired by Peter Dombrovskis and Olegas Truchanas, two
Tasmanian ground breaking photographers who were passionate about
Tasmania and its unique landscape.
"We knew many travellers would have some special photographs in
their own collections and we wanted to be able to share our
visually stunning environment as captured by many, not just the
professional photographer."
The judging panel consisted of Tasmanian based professional
photographer Geoff Murray, Philip Lennard of the Australian
Photography Association and Spirit of Tasmania's CEO Charles
Griplas. Judges were asked to decide on the winners based on
creativity, spontaneity, professional look, engagement and
effective use of light and colour.
On behalf of the judges, Philip Lennard said, "It was a pleasure
to look through these wonderful photographs. There were so many
outstanding entries. Spirit of Tasmania must be congratulated on
this excellent initiative which not only recognises undiscovered
talent but also brings together a collection of stunning pictures
that showcases the amazing sights that Tasmania has to offer."
The judges made their tough decision with the overall winner
being announced as a stunning submission entitled 'Mount Wellington
Sunset', submitted by emerging Tasmanian photographer Michael
Walters.
The panel also recognised its favourite Kid's photo, Ryder
Takasch of South Australia who, at just two years of age, snapped
the No Name Falls, near Cradle Mountain.
Spirit of Tasmania linked up with the 'Save the Tasmanian Devil
Program' by including a special awareness raising category entitled
'My Favourite Tassie Devil'. The judges selected a picture by
Tasmanian photographer Mike Calder, entitled 'Hi 5 from a
Devil'.
The public also had their say, with Australia voting for their
favourite, 'A Touch of Snow', by Queensland's Roselea McHale. The
photo captures the cheeky expression of her son framed by the snow
covered area of Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. Patriotic
Tasmanians were also able to vote in their own category, naming
Tasmanian retiree Jeff Crowe's 'Riding the Reflections' as their
favourite photograph taken in their home state.
When it came to prizes, the voters were not left out either,
with a special Voter's Prize being awarded to Meredith Schappeler
of New South Wales.
The winning photographers will share more than $8,000 worth of
prizes, each receiving a state-of-the-art Canon 1000 twin lens
digital SLR camera plus accessories, as well as Spirit of Tasmania
journeys and Discovery Holiday Parks' accommodation packages for
selected categories.
Charles Griplas, Spirit of Tasmania CEO said, "The huge response
to 'Capture the Spirit' has been a testament to Australia's
appreciation of the beauty and diversity of Tasmania which inspires
so many impactful photographs. I am certain Peter and Olegas would
have been thrilled to see their passion continued and shared in
this way. I would like to personally thank everyone who
entered and everyone who voted."
-ends-
For media enquires or to receive these photos in hi-res format
please contact:
Sam Watson, Pesel & Carr (03) 9663 0886 / 0412 099 134 sam.watson@peselandcarr.com.au
or Soniya Fernandez, Communications Coordinator, Spirit of
Tasmania, (03) 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898 saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
