Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographers 2024: Winners and runners-up announced

Canberra photographer Fernanda Pedroso has been named Overall Winner in Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers 2024, presented by Fujifilm. Fernanda's colourful, textural and thoughtful studio portraits also won first place in the Portrait category and was Runner-Up in Art. She also finished third in Single-Shot and two more fifth places.

We'd also like to give a special mention to David Niu for his well considered and perfectly timed street photography images that won the Travel and Black & White categories.

Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers, presented by Fujifilm, recognises, encourages, and promotes talented photographers in the early stages of their careers. Now in its 16th year the competition is judged by panel of 25 leading professional photographers and industry experts from around the world. 

Winners and runners-up share in a prize pool of $28,000 including $9,000 cash and $19,000 worth of prizes from major sponsor Fujifilm and category sponsors Camera House, The Brownbill Effect, MSI, Total Image Supplies and Moab.

You can see the Winner and Runner-Up entries along with the lists of Top 20 finishers further below.

The latest issue of Capture magazine (Winter 2024) features the work of Winners and Runners-Up along with the work of Top 20 place getters in the Animal, Art, Black & White, Documentary, Landscape, Single Shot, Travel and Portrait categories, and the Top 10 place getters in the Architecture category.

The magazine also features articles including: 30 must-see films about photographers; Full-frame VS Medium Format - is it worth upgrading?; The Museum of Australian Photography – an interview with the Museum's Senior Photographic Curator Angela Connor.

The magazine will be available in print at major newsstands and online as a digital edition in the coming days. You can also order a print copy at subscriptions@yaffa.com.au while stocks last.

OVERALL AND PORTRAIT WINNER

FERNANDA PEDROSO: 'EARTHLY' 

Originally from Brazil, Fernanda Pedroso has been pursuing a Diploma in Photography in Canberra where she has been using her access to the studio, and her background in the advertising industry to build and create conceptual images that touch on societal issues.

These three images are part of a nine-image series called ‘Earthly’. “Each one has different colours and scenario setups, making for long days of production,” says Fernanda. “I’m bringing nature to the studio. Even though we're usually surrounded by buildings and roads, this series reminds us that we're all part of nature. With clay-covered models and real plants, it's a dreamy escape into our natural roots, right in the middle of the city.

“All elements are important to create an immersive atmosphere. The makeup and accessories were made by the talented makeup artist Rafa Jones. All models have a gold colour as the first layer of makeup, as gold is a colour that conveys power. On top of the gold base, all models have clay to bring an earthly quality.”

Instagram: @fernandapedroso.photography

Fernanda has won an overall winner prize of Fujifilm X-H2S with Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 OIS WR lens valued at $5,998 as well as $1,000 cash as Portrait Winner. 

DOCUMENTARY WINNER

ANITA DAVIDSON: 'ON THE STREETS OF MELBOURNE'

Anita Davidson is a Hungarian-Australian documentary and street photographer based in Melbourne. Her work focuses on the urban environment and capturing life in a candid fashion.

Anita has been a finalist in the Aussie Street Photography Festival 2023 awards and placed in the Top 10 in Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographer 2023.

“My interest in documentary photography comes from the love for street photography,” says Anita. “Melbourne’s protests are always well documented, impassioned events. When I was photographing, I wanted to focus on capturing the energy and the swirling emotions of the crowd. I was aiming to photograph in a different way and showcase the movement and the energy of the people marching on the streets.”

Instagram: @andana.street

PRIZE: Fujifilm X-S20 and Fujinon XC15-45mm lens valued at $2,499, plus $1,000 cash

ANIMAL WINNER

BROOKE PYKE: 'MIDNIGHT DANCERS'

Originally from Melbourne, Brooke Pyke is now based near the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. She has been working in tourism and diving since 2014, primarily as a dive instructor. She is a self-taught photographer and now works predominantly in ocean, travel and adventure photography.

“During a trip to the Maldives last year, we had the chance to encounter tawny nurse sharks up close on a night dive,” Brooke says. “I wanted to capture the elegant movements of the sharks as they danced together under the lights of my strobes. I used both video lights and strobes combined with a slowed shutter speed to capture the swirling effect of the light around them. The video lights lit them as they moved and when the strobes fired it froze part of the moment.”

Instagram: @brookepykephotography

PRIZE: $1,000 cash, MSI Prize Pack valued at $500

ARCHITECTURE WINNER

EDI IVANCIC: 'SYDNEY COLOSSEUM THEATRE'

Wollongong based photographer Edi Ivancic has been shooting since 2017. After completing a Diploma of Photography in 2021, he decided to pursue black and white fine art photography specialising in architecture and landscape, and his influences include Michael Kenna, Lionel Orriols and Xavier Rey.

“My entry Sydney Colosseum Theatre started when I came across an article about the theatre in an architectural magazine,” says Edi. “I was immediately drawn by its distinctive design, the flowing ribbon-like sculptural form and the vertical glass windows. I spent a few hours one afternoon shooting from different perspectives, mindful to avoid distractions like people, traffic signs and light poles and was extremely lucky with the weather.

“I strive to capture a subjective response to the world of light and shadow; to capture the mood of the environment around me and the light, colours, structural form and textures within it.”

Instagram: @eivancicphotography

PRIZE: $1000 cash, MSI Prize Pack (includes backpack and hoodie) valued at $500

LANDSCAPE WINNER

MATTHEW PORTCH: 'LOST AMERICA'

Originally from England, Matthew Portch started out as an illustrator. From there he went on to study graphic design and photography in college and then pursued a successful career in graphic design.

Although initially fascinated by full-frame 35mm digital photography, it was the large-format film landscape photographers from 1960s America that inspired him to pursue a more modern approach, still using medium-format, but with a digital back.

“Lost America examines a quiet stillness in a forgotten landscape that is, in a sense, ‘on pause’,” says Matthew. “Ardently stagnant in appearance, the spaces yearn to instil a melancholic feeling of familiarity. One might not notice the scenes when viewed within the vast stretch of America’s panorama. Yet, framed as a vignette, each could appear to echo a moment of mournful reverie and reflective contemplation.”

Instagram: @matt_portch

PRIZE: $1,000 cash

BLACK & WHITE WINNER

DAVID NIU: 'ON THE FERRY'

Originally a professional industrial designer and amateur painter, these days David Niu spends more time pursuing his passion for street photography. He enjoys shooting in both black and white and colour, though he rarely converts colour to black and white.

“I don’t deliberately pursue or attempt to invent my own photography style,” says David. “I just want to take what I think of as good aesthetic photos, and I believe personal style is a gradual process of maturing within the photographic medium.

“I took a lot of photos in Istanbul, and only about 30% of them are B&W photos, and many of them were taken on the ferry. I used a Leica M10 Monochrome camera and a 21mm ultra-wide-angle lens to take these photos, though this lens means I need to be very close to the subject. My method is mainly based on observation and patience and moving quickly when needed to.”

Instagram: @davids_art_street

PRIZE: Fujifilm X-T5 and Fujinon XF16-80mm lens valued at $4,099, plus $1,000 cash

ART WINNER

SUSI NODDING: 'CUTTING EDGE'

Susi Nodding discovered a passion for photography later in life when her husband gave her a camera. She has not looked back since. Initially focusing on capturing sports and events, she later found a fascination with urban architecture. During the COVID pandemic, she dedicated time to studying and enhancing her skills in blending fine art and composites. Perth serves as her home city, and she actively participates in two camera clubs, relishing the challenges and diversity of their monthly shooting assignments.

“The ‘Cutting Edge’ series began as a playful, tongue-in-cheek collection of photos that depicted the sibling rivalry among my three sons, with them using their hands to cut a rope,” says Susi. “As I continued to examine these images, I realised their potential. Gradually, the series evolved to portray athletes in various sports, capturing the dynamic angles and movements inherent to their specific disciplines.”

Instagram: @susinodding

PRIZE: Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-1000 A2 printer valued at $2,089, Moab Paper pack valued at $500 (courtesy Total Image Supplies), $1,000 cash

TRAVEL

DAVID NIU: 'ISTANBUL DELIGHT'

Originally a professional industrial designer and amateur painter, these days David Niu spends more time pursuing his passion for street photography. He enjoys shooting in both black and white and colour, though he rarely converts colour to black and white.

“Istanbul’s old town is very crowded with locals and tourists, which makes it difficult to get relatively simple content, and good composition”, says David. “I used a 28mm lens instead of the 35mm that I usually use in Australia, as I could get a lot closer to the subjects in Istanbul. This busy, local environment made me consider taking multi-layered photos.

“During my stay, I went to the old town everyday for a week and practiced shooting all different kind of ‘layerings’. Finally, after many, many photos, I finally felt I had some good shots.”

Instagram: @davids_art_street

PRIZE: Camera House voucher valued at $1000, plus $1000 cash

SINGLE SHOT WINNER

STEPHANE THOMAS: 'BEFORE THE CONCERT'

Stephane Thomas is a Sydney based French-Australian photographer who enjoys shooting many genres from landscape and architecture, to environmental portraits and dance photography. While he enjoys the myriad of photographic opportunities that the natural world presents, he has taken a keen interest in the world of studio work and the challenge of shaping light within a controlled environment.

“‘Before the Concert’ was shot backstage at the Sydney Opera House in natural light coming from a narrow window on the left,” says Stephane. “It tells the story of Vicki Parkin, cellist at Opera Australia Orchestra, resting before a performance.

“Walking around the green room at the Opera House I was drawn to the red couch and the wonderful morning light coming to it. I was inspired by the work of Edward Hopper and Jeffrey Smart to create a minimalist image that would tell a simple story while also including different elements to allow the viewers to explore the frame and create their own interpretation.”

Instagram: @stephane.thomas

Web: www.stphotos.net

PRIZE: $1000 cash, Professional Photo Consultation with Sally Brownbill from The Brownbill Effect valued at $440

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ANIMAL RUNNER-UP

CHENG KANG: 'LOVE AFFAIR'

“Photography has been a long-cherished interest of mine,” says Cheng Kang. “More recently, I started devoting more time to this hobby, particularly bird photography. This photographic journey has transformed me into a nature enthusiast, deeply passionate about wildlife and the unique landscapes of this country.

“For this series, I aimed to focus on storytelling and capturing the many emotions, such as love and compassion, shared by both animals and people alike, connecting us more closely with our common environment.

“I have always been amazed to see the variety of spectacular social behaviour exhibited by birds as they can often be very shy and cautious.

“With patience, persistence and a little bit of luck, one can get a unique glimpse into the secret lives of birds and share their stories for others to enjoy.”

Instagram: @cheng_2015

PRIZE: Camera House voucher valued at $200

ANIMAL TOP 20 

1. Brooke Pyke – Midnight Dancers
2. Cheng Kang – Love Affair
3. Amy Loffler – Roosting Native Bees
4. Emma Gough – Domestic Wilderness
5. Andrii Slonchak – Mesmerising Beauty of Lion’s Mane Jellyfish
6. Brooke Pyke – Ningaloo Blue
7. Rowan Dear – Hunting for Dragons
8. Rowan Dear – Mum and Bub
9. Terence Tong – Cuttlefish Facades
10. Stephen Noble – Frogs!
11. Amy Loffler – Masters of Disguise
12. Ghislain Yung – Looking Up
13. Edwina Moutray – Hanging Around
14. Emma Parker – Ready to Take Your Catch
15. Kamil Jureczko– Microcosm on the Giant's Back
16. Emma Parke – A Moment Between to Rest
17. Dave Mayes – Domestic Bliss
18. Robert Olive – Hooked
19. Gergo Rugli – Dolphin Swim
20. Tim Burgess – Fehurihi

ARCHITECTURE RUNNER-UP

EMMA SANDERS: 'CITY LIGHT'

Emma Sanders is a Melbourne-based photographer with a passion for architectural, travel, street, and abstract photography. Her work often delves into everyday realities and the built environment, aiming to elevate them through careful consideration of tonality, texture, and composition. Emma refined her skills at the Photography Studies College, where she earned an Advanced Diploma of Photography, and she is presently developing her personal portfolio.

“I live in the Melbourne CBD and for this series I was interested in capturing the interplay of light, shadows, and materials in the built environment”, says Emma. “The images showcase individual structures, but also speak to the interpretation of space and the way light can transform urban settings. When I shot the series, I tended to remain open to chance occurrences and responded to the changing light over the course of a few days.”

Instagram: @emma_catherine_photography

Runner-up: Camera House voucher valued at $200

ARCHITECTURE TOP 20 

ART RUNNER-UP

FERNANDA PEDROSO: 'UNBECOMING'

Originally from Brazil, Fernanda Pedroso has been pursuing a Diploma in Photography in Canberra where she has been using her access to the studio, and her background in the advertising industry to build and create conceptual images that touch on societal issues.

“The contemporary society is marked by relentless connectivity and the constant pursuit of self-improvement,” says Fernanda. “In our pursuit of becoming, we often overlook the process of ‘unbecoming’.

“For the first image ‘Caged’ (below top) I used a mask made of copper wires. We think we are free to access the world with technology, however it is the technology which keeps us caged from the real world.

“The second image ‘It doesn’t sound right’ (above left) utilises 50 headphones and is a portrait of a generation growing overwhelmed by the amount of information they receive all the time. Not leaving the present with presence, but in a parallel place. The mental health problems are exploding.

“For the third image ‘disCONNECTED’ (above right) the model has electrical terminals glued directly to his head. In a rapidly evolving world driven by technological advancements, we are more connected than ever, yet there is a pervasive sense of disconnection.”

Instagram: @fernandapedroso.photography

PRIZE: Camera House voucher valued at $200

ART TOP 20 

BLACK & WHITE RUNNER-UP

KERRIE BUROW: 'MAYAN DEPTHS: CAVE EXPLORER LILIA'

Kerrie Burow is an underwater photographer who has been diving regularly since 2016 and is a qualified technical cave and closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) diver.

Kerrie has a particular interest in photographing the people she dives with – ordinary people with extraordinary exploratory pursuits such as cave diving, deep technical and shipwreck diving.

Over the past few years, Kerrie has honed her focus on cave diving photography, drawing parallels with traditional studio portrait lighting techniques. This pursuit has led her to capture stunning images of cave divers in locations spanning Australia, Italy, France, and Mexico.

The images in this series were shot in the caves of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, in 2023.

Instagram: @kerrieburowphotography

PRIZE: Camera House voucher valued at $200

BLACK & WHITE TOP 20

DOCUMENTARY RUNNER-UP

IAN FLANDERS: 'START MARCHING'

Ian Flanders is a self-taught documentary photographer who aims to challenge himself and others with what he captures through his lens. The Sydney-based photographer prefers to focus on long-term projects that have a story to tell.

“I captured this series over 24 weeks, 19 of which were consecutive,” says Ian. “The first protest, was known as the 'static protest'. The passion, anger, pride and resistance was palpable. Within two weeks of photographing the protest, I felt a body of work in the making. But to do this I needed to prove myself to these people: not only was I there for the right reason, but I was there to give them a platform for their voices. I felt this could only be achieved with persistence and compassion in my approach.”

Instagram: @ceasefirenowphotography

PRIZE: Camera House voucher valued at $200

DOCUMENTARY TOP 10

LANDSCAPE RUNNER-UP

CRAIG MCGOWAN: 'WINTER ON THE PRAIRIES'

After initially owning an SLR as a teen Craig McGowan had a long hiatus from photography. More recently, he has rediscovered his passion for landscape photography and unearthing interesting remote locations. Further, he has delved into creating large photographic prints, which he feels have enhanced his capture and processing abilities tenfold.

“Last year I embarked on a road trip in northern USA and southern Canada during winter,” Craig says. “The intent was to shoot landscapes on the plains and prairies. However, while in Saskatchewan a weather event caused the temperatures to drop well below zero. With limited visibility, traditional scenes were impossible to shoot. But what the conditions delivered were structures, natural and man-made isolated against their surroundings. Trees covered in hoar frost would appear from the fog when driving and each tree took on its own particular beauty. Stopping and capturing these during those days was never originally planned, but resulted in some of my favourite images from that trip.”

Instagram: @cmac6248   Web: craigmcgowanphotography.com

PRIZE: Camera House voucher valued at $200

LANDSCAPE TOP 20

PORTRAIT RUNNER-UP

MICHAEL GLASS: 'UBIQUE'

Michael Glass is an Australian Army veteran based in Brisbane who specialises mainly in sports photography. After studying a Diploma of Digital Imaging and Photography at TAFE Queensland, he developed a love of portraiture.

For Michael, photography is a form of therapy. His photography allows Michael to focus on the positive moments in life, with the act of pressing the shutter button an act of mindfulness.

“Ubique (meaning – everywhere) is the motto of the Royal Australian Corps of Engineers,” says Michael. “I had the pleasure of serving with combat engineers, both Australian and from international contingents during my time in uniform. My photo series was originally shot for my final assignment at TAFE Queensland and was meant to be an homage to combat engineers, particularly those who conduct explosive ordnance disposal and search operations. However, it turned into a study of the humanity of soldiers; who they are and what motivates them. And over time, I found that I could retrospectively apply those same questions to who I am.”

Instagram: @the.odyssey.image  Web: odysseyimages.com.au

Prize: Camera House voucher valued at $200

PORTRAIT TOP 20

SINGLE SHOT RUNNER-UP

SOPHIE LILLIS: 'FRAMED BY WINTER'

Sophie Lillis has always loved photography and her dog Hildie is her main reason for shooting and the subject of most of her photographs. Originally taking Hildie portraits on her phone, Sophie soon upgraded to an entry-level DSLR and then to a mirrorless kit. Her Hildie portraits have led her to find some incredible locations all over the country.

“On a cold, rainy, winter morning on one of our favourite walks in Melbourne, I saw a carpet of flowers covering the trail,” says Sophie. “I knew I had to try and frame Hildie in amongst them, and her being the awesome model that she is, she innately knew to stand perfectly in the correct spot while I shuffled around – eventually taking this particular image.”

PRIZE: Camera House voucher valued at $200

SINGLE SHOT TOP 20

TRAVEL RUNNER-UP

GAIL MITCHELL: 'ONE VANDERBILT NEW YORK'

Gail Mitchell’s journey with photography began in her 20s, but the demands of work temporarily sidelined her passion. However, in 2019, her husband gave her a DSLR, reigniting her love for capturing moments. She finds herself captivated by landscapes, seascapes, travel photography, and the unique perspectives her drone offers. The camaraderie, sharing, and sense of adventure inherent in photography deeply resonate with her. Recently, Gail co-founded the Women’s Photography Hub as a way to support and inspire other female photographers. She seizes every opportunity to shoot, and says photography is not just a hobby but her true passion.

“One Vanderbilt is one of the newest buildings in NYC (opened 2020) with amazing 360 degrees views of Manhattan,” says Gail. “I was in NY working and managed to get tickets for our last night to go up just before sunset. I hung around for two hours waiting for the light to change. I would have stayed all night, but I had a flight to catch. Tripods weren’t allowed – so all my images are handheld.”

Instagram: @gailmitchell_photos

PRIZE: Camera House voucher valued at $200

TRAVEL TOP 10

A massive thank you to all our wonderful judges for sharing their invaluable time and expertise. We recommend you look at their websites and be inspired by their captivating images.

Adrian Cook – www.adriancookphotography.com

Alex Cearns – www.houndstoothstudio.com.au

Andrea Bruce – www.andreabruce.com

Anthony McKee – www.anthonymckee.com.au

Brooke Shaden – www.brookeshaden.com

Chloe Bartram – www.chloebartram.com

Chris Budgeon – www.chrisbudgeon.com

Dianna Snape – www.diannasnape.com.au

Erik Johansson – www.erikjohanssonphoto.com

Jessica Hromas – www.jessicahromas.com

Judith Crispin – www.judithcrispin.com

Karen Waller – www.karenwaller.com.au

Krystle Wright – www.krystlewright.com

Lisa Maree Williams – www.lisamareewilliams.com

Lynton Crabb – www.crabb.com.au

Paul Hoelen – www.paulhoelen.com

Peter Brew-Bevan – www.peterbrew-bevan.com

Ricardo Da Cunha – www.ricardodacunha.com.au

Richard I’Anson – www.richardianson.com

Sally Brownbill – www.thebrownbilleffect.com

Simon Harsent – www.simonharsent.com

Simon Lister – www.simonlisterphotography.com

Tim Booth – www.timbooth.com

Tim Griffith – www.timgriffith.com

Tony Hewitt – www.tonyhewitt.com

William Long – www.longshots.com.au