Teenage photographer captures the spotlight

This time next year, Sarah-Kate Harris hopes to be in New York, photographing models on the catwalk.

But, right now, the Wamberal teenager is the toast of Wyong Shire Council’s annual Photography Exhibition, after her portrait ‘Ethereal’ took out first prize, beating older and more experienced entrants.

Nineteen year old Sarah Kate’s photograph was one of five in a portfolio compiled as part of her Diploma of Arts – Applied Photography.

The striking shot, taken on a Nikon D200 digital camera with professional lighting, shows a mannequin-like model set against a background of harsh texture.

Sarah-Kate has been taking photographs seriously for the past four years. Her first placing in Council’s exhibition earned $1,000.

The winning photograph can be viewed free of charge, along with 597 other entries, in Wyong’s civic centre until next Sunday, April 12. Opening hours are 9am to 4pm on weekdays and 10am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Judges from the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers awarded second place to 'Old Adaminaby' an entry by last year’s overall winner, Sydney photographer Annette Blattman.

Using her Canon SLR camera equipped with a wide angle lens, Annette photographed a lone tree silhouetted against oncoming storm clouds.The photo, which features her trademark use of natural light, earned $600 for winning second place.

Entering his initial competition, North Gosford photographer, Josh Pitt, was delighted to take out third place, which carried $400 prizemoney. Josh describes his entry – entitled ‘Jetty Yattalunga’ as “dreamy and dramatic”, with the appearance of an arch or “invisible rainbow” at the end of a long jetty.

The photo was shot on a Canon EOS 20d camera.

Council’s photo show is held in conjunction with the popular Central Coast Festival of Arts, which is also underway at Wyong’s race course.

In a strong field, Sydney artist, Robyn Gosbell, from the Sutherland Shire, was judged the winner of the $10,000 Valhalla Village Open Award for her painting entitled ‘Thinking About Ireland’.

Festival judges said the entry depicted ”more than just a place: a true feeling of belonging”.

Another Sydney entrant, Peter Lewis, of Castlereagh, took out the $4,000 Yeramba Estates Sculpture Award for his work ‘Wild Spirit’.

Tumbi Umbi’s Peter Smeeth was judged the winner of the $2,000 Delta Electricity Traditional section for his painting ‘ Reclining Nude’.

The festival is a project of the Rotary Club of Northlakes Toukley. Exhibition times are 10am to 6pm until April 13.

Media contact: Ian Roberts (02) 4350 5525

Page last updated: 07/04/09