Abstract Category (Judge - Noline Skeet)

First - Kyle McQuilkan

Judge Comment:

This image captures my imagination. From my perspective, this person is still trying to determine which way to go. Using the line through his mouth tells me he is very secretive about his thoughts.

Perfectly capturing this image, black and white is ideal as it transitions from the very dark to the light. The shapes and lines give abstraction and are subtle enough to tell the story. Whilst the figure is quite central in the image, it works because of the hint of the second person off to the left

Second - Lisa Kearns

Judge Comment:

With this image, I’m feeling an invitation to explore this vibrant city. The sky tower, serving as a focal point, comes before the exploration of all the buildings surrounding it. The busyness of the city is well captured with the use of both diagonal and horizontal lines.

By cleverly portraying the mood of this image, the analogous colour palette enhances its impact.

Third - Robin short

Judge Comment:

This image has an element of intrigue for me and I’m wondering where this person is going with her friends and deciding what dress she will wear. The dominant figure, capturing your imagination, looks to be leading the way for the other dancers. The swirling pattern of the fabric is vibrant with interesting patterns and the colour complements the rest of the image. There is a grainy texture in this image that adds to the drama and wonder.

Landscape Category (Judge - Stuart Braithwaite)

First - Carole Garside

Judge Comment:

A beautiful clean, sharp and minimalist image. I love the muted colours of the colour palette. Would have this on wall either as a large canvas or  large A1print. This stood out above the rest, well done.

Second - Ladi Svoboda

Judge Comment:

Of all the milky way and Aurora images this image stood out due to the natural looking colours.
The exposure has been handled very well, lovely post processing.

Third - Ian Ray

Judge Comment:

I very much like this images, beautifully sharp front to back. The fog adds a bit of mystery.
Well seen and handled.

Third - Mark Stevens

Judge Comment:

This  image shows the power of the sea. Beautifully exposed no burnt out highlights. I love the warm colour palette. Another one I would hang on the wall as a big print.

Open Category (Judge - Andrei Diomidov)

First - Brendon Doran

Judge Comment:

This image jumped out at me immediately as the colours reminded me of infrared photography a very known automotive guy does in his spare time. The combination of both natural light and light paining wand gives such an unusual colour pallet of what whole  photo, that it captures the view at first glance. It has no trouble bringing the attention to the main subjected flower right away, but then lets you explore the image further, discovering new colours. I can easily see this kind of photo in a modern art section of a local gallery.

Second - Leanne Buchan

Judge Comment:

This photos just screams National Geographic journal. It is always unfortunate when disaster like this fire strikes, but it gives an opportunity to capture once in a lifetime images. The moment shown in this photo does not need any words of description or explanation – it is perfectly clear what is happening, shows the seriousness of situation and the scale of this disaster. The timing of the photographer is perfect and composition impeccable.

Third - Ruth Boere

Judge Comment:

At quick glance I first thought that this was a photo of a fig, and the weird shape and angle brought me in for a closer look. Only after paying more attention to it, I realised that it was a mirroring photo if a leaf. Beautifully composed, the overall shape of a leaf is kept by the mentioned before mirroring, however the red colour of a backside brings the whole image to the next level. Lighting is done beautifully, without an overwhelming brightness, with just enough information in the shadows and darks. I want to keep returning to observe this image again and again. Shows how something simple and daily could be view in incredibly capturing way.

People Category (Judge - Warren Williams)

First - Robin short

Judge Comment:

Time for a Cuppa, is an excellent image! I immediately connected to the story of this beautiful moment. There are many layers to the image, from the sincere eye contact, Grandpa sharing some yarns, and the subtle details throughout the image. 

The sepia toning works on this timeless moment.

Second - Karen Moffatt-McLeod

Judge Comment:

I love this black and white image. It’s nicely balanced, with perfect placement of the mirrors. 
The single light source works great and the highlights are well controlled. 

The broken mirror panes can symbolise the feelings of the model, with modern beauty standards.

Third - David Le

Judge Comment:

The beekeeper at sunrise, is a striking image. Beautifully captured, with details in the backlit smoke. I love the single bee on the sleeve, as the beekeeper tends to the beehive.

Wild Category (Judge - Dennis Tohovaka)

First - Glenda Rees

Judge Comment:

Thank you Auckland Camera for inviting me to judge the wildlife category for 2024.  It is a privilege to have been able to review all the entries, and provide feedback on the top 3.  The champion image is Rifleman with moth, composed by Glenda Rees.  Glenda has an incredible eye for detail.  Her image is tack sharp, with the eye naturally reading the image from left to right.  The Rifleman; also known as Tititipounamu, is poised with its catch, and the image is immaculately presented.  Being New Zealand’s smallest bird, it appears big in stature.  The moth provides a sense of scale as well.  I really enjoyed looking at this image, and can only imagine how much time, effort and energy; as well as planning, it took to create this beautiful image.

Second - Mandy Hague

Judge Comment:

Mandy has captured something very special here.  A frame within a frame, the harmonic colours of the Buttercup and the Sooty Orb Web Spider really compliment this rare sight. Kudos to Mandy for capturing this serendipitous moment.

Third - Glen Thomson

Judge Comment:

Pukeko are capable flyers and Glen has captured this bird in flight wonderfully.  The primary colours work together well, and there are no distractions in the background.  Good catchlight in the eye and the early morning light really helps to act as a natural diffuser.