The artistry of Invercargill’s budding photographers has been recognised, with the winners of the inaugural Grrreat Invercargill Photo Competition announced.
The competition was held throughout the summer to encourage people to explore Invercargill and Bluff. Keen photographers were encouraged to capture the special and spectacular faces, places, and spaces of Invercargill and Bluff.
The competition was divided into four categories. Colour and Light encouraged would-be shutterbugs to think summer sunsets, dark and starry skies, big city lights, and colourful family fun. Iconic called for photographers to capture unique or recognisable places, spaces, landscapes, buildings, and backdrops throughout Invercargill and Bluff. Our Faces, meanwhile, encouraged people to turn their lens to the faces of our people, culture, groups, events, and even pets. The fourth and final category was for the People’s Choice award. More than 100 entries were submitted.
Budding photographer Parag Tambe was the winner of the Iconic category, with his shot of the Queens Park band rotunda illuminated during annual Matariki celebrations.
While he had always had an interest in photography, it was not until he moved to New Zealand from the United Kingdom in late 2021 that he was able to really pursue it as a hobby, he said.
The sight of the band rotunda lit up, during his first experience of Matariki, was one that immediately captured his attention – though he had to be patient and wait until Queens Park neared closing before he was able to capture an image without other people in the frame, he said.
“What I liked about it was the way people had installed the lighting – whoever did it, did a fantastic job. It was very symmetrical, with the magenta, the orange, the green – the colours really complemented one another. It really caught my eye, and I thought, ‘that’s my shot’. It was quite beautiful,” he said.
He was pleasantly surprised to hear his photo had been selected as a winner in The Grrreat Photo Competition, he said.
“I never thought I would win a prize, let alone a first prize, because there are so many amazing photographers in Invercargill who I have been learning from. It was a really nice surprise, and it gives you a bit of encouragement to keep going, and keep taking photos of what you love.
“Winning the Iconic category, with a photo of the band rotunda – it’s the icing on the cake.”
Anne-Marie Gutschlag, Heather Cooper, and Debbie Corbin also won with their respective entries.
The competition was judged by Invercargill Public Art Gallery manager Sarah Brown, Te Anau-based photographer Graham Dainty, and The Southland Times chief photographer Robyn Edie.
After achieving a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and a Post Graduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies, Brown began her career in the arts as Assistant Manager/Curator for Invercargill Public Art Gallery in 2011, when it was located at Anderson House. She became manager when it moved to the inner city in 2016. She has played a key role in the development of He Waka Tuia.
Edie has been taking photos for the Southland Times and Stuff for more than 20 years. She loves capturing images of the local people and beautiful region we live in. The highlight of her year is the Tour of Southland, along with other sporting moments. Being a photographer/videographer enables her to meet many amazing people in all facets of their lives.
Dainty has been in the profession for more than 34 years. His passion lies in wilderness photography. Dainty was awarded a Fellowship with the Photographic Society of New Zealand in 2004, and was on its Honours Board for 10 years.
Brown said she had loved seeing entries celebrating what made Invercargill and Bluff special.
“The people of our community are not only really proud of where we come from, they’re also full of creativity and artistic talent,” she said.
“The entries were a great reminder of what makes Invercargill and Bluff special, and it was wonderful to be part of an initiative that encouraged the public to celebrate that.”
Winners of the three main categories received a framed copy of their image, a certificate, and a voucher from Invercargill Central for their efforts. The winner of the People’s Choice award received a certificate and a voucher.
Winners:
