The 20th annual Otago Wildlife Photography Competition opens for entries from all of Otago’s amateur photographers and videographers on Monday 19 November 2018.
With record numbers entering the 2018 competition, the 20th anniversary is expected to attract even more interest from around the region.
Supported by Jonathan’s Photo Warehouse, Canon, and the Otago Daily Times, the competition is an opportunity for amateurs to explore the natural world through the lens and to have their work exhibited as part of a significant exhibition.
The major prize, to be presented to the Otago Wildlife Photographer of the Year, is a Canon EOS M50 Twin Lens Kit including EFM15-45 and EFM55-200 lenses, valued at $1799.
The extra category this year will be the Otago Wildlife Photographer of the Decade, who will receive a Canon Image PROGRAF PRO-1000, valued at $2299. These entrants are drawn from the winners of the Photographer of the Year over the past ten years and will sit alongside the previous winner of this category, Craig McKenzie, who won in 2009 for his 2006 entry Bar-tailed godwit.
Individual photography category winners and highly commended entries will receive vouchers from Jonathan’s Photo Warehouse and the video category winner will receive a GoPro camera.
Otago Museum staff are scheduling a series of talks, workshops, field trips and other events to run during the competition period.
The 2019 Otago Wildlife Photography Competition closes at 12 noon on Friday 1 March 2019. The entry form, specifications, and terms and conditions can be found on the Otago Museum website at www.otagomuseum.nz/owpc from Monday 19 November.
A panel of expert judges will choose winning and highly commended photographs and these will be announced at a prize-giving on Saturday 30 March, following which the exhibition will open to the public in the Museum’s Beautiful Science gallery.
2019 categories:
- Animal
Go wild with animals! From microscopic to larger-than-life, animals offer endless opportunities for imaginative photographers.
- 14 years and under
- 15 years and over
- Plant
Take a perfect shot of a subject that won’t move while you arrange your settings! Wild or cultivated, plants will reward the creative photographer.
- 14 years and under
- 15 years and over
- Human Impact on the Environment
Tell a story of human interaction and impact on animals, plants, landscapes or skyscapes.
- Open to all ages
- Pets
Share your pet’s love and personality in a portrait, action shot or something in between.
- 14 years and under
- Night Skies
Combine your creativity with the natural beauty of the night sky.
- Open to all ages
- WiIdlife in Action – video
Create a compelling short video of wildlife in action.
- Open to all ages
- Otago Wildlife Photographer of the Decade
Drawn from the winners of the Photographer of the Year 2010-2019
Key dates
19 November 2018 – Otago Wildlife Photography Competition opens
1 March 2019 – Otago Wildlife Photography Competition closes
30 March 2019 – prize-giving and Otago Wildlife Photography Exhibition opens