Winner of the Australian Antarctic Photography Competition revealed

Described as “fine art” and a “a pure expression of Antarctica” was the winning image, Gentoo, by Sydney photographer, Sam Edmonds, at the annual Antarctic Photography Competition, run as part of Hobart's Antarctica Festival. Edmonds's winning image comes with the first prize of $5,000.

Whittled down from the 87 entries to 24 finalists, images had to be recent (three years or less) and taken in the region (Antarctic and sub-Antarctic). “You have to see this in print to appreciate it properly,” commented one judge. “There is fine detail in the white areas of the image as well as in the deep, rich blacks and the focus is as sharp as a tack.” The composition is natural, with the lower half of the subject obscured by blowing ice mist and the upper half magically rich in colour, even to the texture of the penguin’s wings

Edmonds works as both an Arctic and Antarctic guide, and is a writer for both Capture and Australian Photography magazines.

Edmonds image, along with the other finalists, is currently being exhibited at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery’s Basement Bond Store Gallery. Visitors can also cast their vote for the $500 People’s Choice Award, to be announced when the exhibition closes on 19 August. The exhibition is open from 10am to 4pm daily and admission is free.