The Capture Awards 2024: Winners announced
We’re thrilled to unveil the winners of The Capture Awards 2024.
Showcasing exceptional work by Australian and New Zealand professional photographers, the sophomore competition attracted more than 975 entries.
A huge thank you goes out to all those who took the time to share their work over the six categories: Advertising & Fashion, Documentary & Street, Landscape & Environment, Portrait & People, Wedding & Event, and Art & Conceptual.
The winners and runners-up share in $24,000 worth of prizes, including $10,000 cash and products from our amazing sponsors OM-System, MSI, Kudos Cameras and Camera House.
We have published the winners and runners-up below, but you can see more images from the competition in the latest issue of Capture, including the Top 15 finalists from each category. The magazine will be available in print for subscribers (and in select newsstands) in the coming days. You can also get the digital version of the magazine at Zinio.com now.
You can subscribe to Capture here. Please note that subscribing would start from the following issue (not this current issue with Capture Awards results). However, if you did wish to purchase this particular issue (Capture Summer 2025) and are unable to find it at your local newsstand, you can phone 1800 807 760 to obtain a copy while stocks last.
You can see the winners and runners-up across each of the six categories below. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who entered.
PORTRAIT
Winner: Petra Bensted, 'Viscosity'
“The image ‘Viscosity’ was taken with the intention of capturing the emergence from the smooth movement of the sea,” says Bensted. “It was late afternoon, and the sun was low, giving an opportunity for the rays of light to bounce off the swimmer’s body.
“The shot was taken with a Nikon DF Camera with a Tamron SP 70-200 lens, I deliberately used a slower shutter speed to ensure I could retain the smoothness of the water, but short enough to keep the swimmer in focus and relatively sharp.
“I am a photographer who likes to combine my love for travel and creativity to capture unique images. Originally from Germany, I migrated to Australia at a young age and have since explored many parts of the world. With a background in International Trade, my career allowed me to travel extensively, which ignited my passion for photography. Twelve years ago, I was given my first real camera, and since then, I have focused on using natural light to bring out the curves and contrasts of my subjects. My genres vary from fine art photography to street photography, and I hope my images invite you to see things that our eyes often overlook.”
Instagram: @images_and_words_by_petra
Prize: $2,000 cash, plus a Billingham Hadley One Camera Bag with Billingham SP50 Shoulder Strap valued at $735, and a $300 Kudos Cameras voucher.
Runner-up: Jeremy Shaw, 'Jet Lagged Journey'
“For the last few years I’ve been keeping my personal work pretty simple,” says Shaw. “I'm mainly using a Leica M10-P and tend to choose one of three lenses, the Summicron 28mm, 35mm or 50mm.
“This portrait of my wife Emma and our son Mikey ‘Jet Lagged Journey’ was in our hotel room in the afternoon with just the window light and a sheer curtain. A quiet and intimate moment between Mother and Son after a long and restless flight to Singapore, jet lag hitting all of us hard.”
Jeremy Shaw is a photographer and filmmaker specialising in portraiture and commercial advertising. His passion lies in capturing the essence of people and bringing creative concepts to life. Known for creating images that resonate with authenticity and emotion, Jeremy approaches each project as a unique reflection of its subject. He has developed a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of visual storytelling, and a desire to create a compelling and genuine story.
Instagram: @jeremyshawwork
Prize: Kudos Cameras gift card valued at $300.
People & Portrait: Top 15
1. Petra Bensted, 'Viscosity'
2. Jeremy Shaw, 'Jet Lagged Journey'
3. Wilhelm Philipp, 'Baba Desi, The Belgrave Wizard'
4. Heidi Margocsy, 'Ascend'
5. Natalie Arber, 'BFF'
6. Lucia Staykov, 'Triplets'
7. Will Hartl, 'Enduring Hope'
8. Sasha Mortimore, 'Strength in Vulnerability'
9. Sam Scoufos, 'Portrait of Frosty in Lager'
10. Simon Harsent, 'Senator Briggs'
11. Sam Scoufos, 'Self-Portrait in Water'
12. Marianna Heberley, 'One More Click'
13. Karen Waller, 'Rex'
14. Natalie Arber, 'Metamorphic'
15. Julie Spenser, 'Bonnie and Baxter'
DOCUMENTARY & STREET
Winner: Mariana Zilbershteyn, 'Cut-throat'
“This photograph titled ‘Cut-throat’ captures a raw and intimate street moment along the Ganges Riverbank at Mallick Ghat in Kolkata, shot in the early morning of December 2023,” says Zilbershteyn. “As I sat next to a street barber shaving a man’s face with an open blade razor, I was drawn to the delicate precision of the barber’s movements. His hands carefully manoeuvred the customer’s head to access difficult angles, creating an intricate choreography. The man’s calm expression in stillness contrasted with the bustling life around us – people bathing in the river, their movements filling the gaps in the scene. The juxtaposition of the open blade with the vibrant activity of the morning made for a compelling composition, which I captured from up close on my Fuji XT-5, with 23mm lens.
“I was born in Ukraine and raised in Melbourne, where I developed a passion for photography much later in life. Though self-taught, I didn’t truly discover the depths of photography until moving to India in 2015 with my family. It was on the vibrant streets of Delhi I honed my camera skills; drawn to capturing people and immersing myself in the rich culture surrounding me. I loved getting close to the action, letting the raw emotions and energy of the streets come through in my work.
“Of all the places, Varanasi remains my all-time favourite, a city I have returned to seven times. Its spiritual energy and the richness of life along the Ganges have always provided me with endless inspiration. My goal is to capture not just the visual beauty of India but the stories that underpin its people – their emotions, traditions, and resilience.”
Instagram: @mariana_z_photography
Prize: $2,000 plus a Camera House voucher valued at $1000.
Runner-up: Melissa Crisa, 'Eat. Sleep. Ball. Repeat'
“The image ‘Eat. Sleep. Ball. Repeat.’ is a personal take on groundhog day in our everyday lives,” says Crisa. “My youngest son, an avid basketballer, can often be found in our front yard shooting hoops and practicing his skill set. On this particular day after school, he was throwing up shots in the late afternoon light, which made interesting shadows on the fence. As I grabbed my camera in haste, a plane happened to have been passing at the same time (we live close to the airport!) turning a pretty cool scene into an even more compelling one.
“All of my shots are taken in one frame, where I quickly adjust exposure and composition – which suits documentary-style shooting. This has taken me a while to master through years of practice – so that I can trust in myself to capture what is unfolding naturally in front of me.
“I am a 39-year-old photographic artist, business owner and mother of two, residing in the Western Suburbs of Adelaide. I first picked up a digital camera six years ago and thus began my journey and love of capturing beauty within the ordinary. I am completely self-taught, I started learning from free content on the Internet, photographic communities and of course by complete trial and error.
“Documentary and lifestyle photography is where my heart lies, there is something magical about taking a completely mundane, ‘normal’ moment and bringing it to life with the camera. I mainly utilise natural light and shadow to create interesting and thought-provoking images that can tell an entire story within the frame. I have learnt to look at scenes playing out in real life and compose my shots to have maximum impact, even if that particular moment is fleeting – it's often those made within a split second that turn out to hold the most magic.”
www.littlemisslissphotography.com.au
Instagram: @littlemisslissphotography
Prize: Kudos Cameras gift card valued at $300.
Documentary & Street: Top 15
1. Mariana Zilbershteyn, 'Cut-throat'
2. Melissa Crisa, 'Eat. Sleep. Ball. Repeat'
3. Will Hartl, 'Thin air, thick skin'
4. Melissa Banks, 'Hongi'
5. Frances Terlich, 'Bringing in the Mob'
6. Carrie Jones, 'The Marilyn Wave'
7. Brian Cassey, 'Alive: Bill & Michelle's Miraculous Escape from Cyclone Jasper'
8. Jessica Blacklow, 'Great Australian Summer'
9. Alan Davies, 'A very special Christmas'
10. David Niu, 'London in red'
11. Matt Hrkac, 'Have you been paying attention?'
12. Miranda Kremers, 'Kelpie Dash'
13. Sandy Winkle, 'The Tip Pickers'
14. Shaz Spannenburg, 'The Silver Man'
15. Susan Church, 'Catch 'Em'
ADVERTISING & FASHION
Winner: Simon Harsent, 'Air Force – where your potential lives'
“In advertising campaigns, the role of the photographer often involves interpreting a concept that has already undergone multiple rounds of approvals, and sometimes focus groups. By the time I join the project, the creative boundaries are usually well-defined, and when, as in this case, working alongside a TV commercial crew, both time and creative freedom are further restricted.
“Typically, the final image in these campaigns is a composite of various shots to ensure that the image works seamlessly with typography and can accommodate multiple formats across different media.
“With this campaign for ADF Careers the final image we ended up using is somewhat different to the original layout given to me by the Agency. “I’d spent the best part of the day shooting alongside the motion crew getting ‘cargo drop’ images from the back of a C-17 Globemaster, which would later be combined with seperate plate shots of close-to-camera ‘Loadmaster’ shots.
“Later in the day, a moment of pure chance occurred. As the plane banked, sunlight streamed beautifully into the cargo hold, illuminating the Loadmaster who was standing on the ramp. It was an unscripted moment, and I immediately recognised its potential. Fortunately, both the agency and the client agreed, and this spontaneous shot became the foundation of the final image, with the parachutes and pallets composited into it.
“What makes this image stand out is that it feels like an authentic, captured moment – distinct from the more staged feel typical of advertising photography.
“I’ve been a working photographer since I was 21, coming up through the traditional path of assisting full-time. I spent years sweeping floors, learning from the ground up, and shooting test images in the studio on weekends to build my portfolio. It was a slow, deliberate process, but it shaped me and gave me a solid foundation for my career.
“The photographers I worked with specialised in advertising, so naturally, my own work followed that path. My “day job”, as I often call it, has largely been focused on advertising photography. It’s a craft that not only sharpens my technical skills and allows me to practice what I love but also provides the financial freedom to pursue my personal projects – which have always been a vital part of who I am as an artist.
“Most of my personal work is conceptual, starting with an idea that I carefully develop long before I ever pick up the camera. Working in advertising has helped me refine that process, giving me the tools to flesh out ideas more fully. Conversely, my personal work brings a deeper, more artistic sensibility to my commercial projects.
“With my work, the goal is always to create something that resonates emotionally with the viewer – that’s what drives me, and that’s what I aim for in every image I make.”
Instagram: @sharsent
Prize: $2,000 cash plus a Camera House voucher valued at $1000.
Runner-up: Jay Hynes, 'The truth is a girl's horizons have never been broader'
“As soon as I read the brief I knew that getting into the water was the best way to capture this image,” says Hynes. “I wanted to have the sun at the swimmer’s back, and the only way to do that was to shoot at first light. It was still pitch black at our 5:30am call time and the image was captured just after 6:30am. I shot with a 35mm prime lens to give me the width, but also the shallow depth of field. It’s all available light with no modifiers. The most important technical skill was keeping the camera out of the water and when you can’t see the waves coming in, it becomes rather tricky. I’m happy to say that the camera survived.
“I believe the thing that really helped me capture this image and the campaign as a whole, was the confidence and humility from all the students. To get into freezing cold water at dawn with a photographer is a big ask, but the student had an amazing presence about her. A quiet confidence. I chatted briefly to her on the shore about the shooting plan, but I wasn’t overly instructive while in the water, besides some encouragement and small changes in her eye line every now and then. I wanted to create a very real scenario, almost like a street photographer observing a moment in time.”
Jay was an art director at several Melbourne ad agencies for 13 years before quitting to become a full time photographer in 2013, who specialises in advertising and portraiture.
“Technically, whether it be with the lighting or choice of composition or focal length, I love solving creative briefs,” says Hynes. “I believe my background in art direction has helped me immensely in the cross over into photography. To me creating a conceptual image is about way more that just a camera and lighting – it’s also about communication between all involved.
“I think it’s really important to have a style or look about your work. I believe that your eye is instinctual. Sure, there’s all the technical know-how that helps to create an image, but it comes down to how you see the world and no two people see the world in the same way. How amazing is that?”
Web: www.jayhynes.com
Prize: Kudos Cameras gift card valued at $300.
Advertising & Fashion: Top 15
1. Simon Harsent, 'Air Force – where your potential lives'
2. Jay Hynes, 'The truth is a girl's horizons have never been broader'
3. Simon Harsent, 'Heinz Baby'
4. Steve Greenaway, 'Bowled & Beautiful'
5. Sacha Stejko, '2 Degrees & Super Rugby Aupiki'
6. Chrissie Hall, 'Layers of the Kaleidoscope Fashion'
7. Troy Goodall, 'Zuru Horrorfire'
8. Vaughan Brookfield, 'Out There: Kathmandu Ad Campaign'
9. Heidi Margocsy, 'Go West'
10. Chrissie Hall, 'Layers of the Kaleidoscope Fashion'
11. Troy Goodall, 'Por Que'
12. Rebecca McMillan, 'Hair Fashion Otto'
13. Jeremy Shaw, 'Everyday Insurance'
14. Rebecca McMillan, 'Space Otto'
15. Seiya Taguchi, 'Virgin Active'
LANDSCAPE & ENVIRONMENT
Winner: Maria Michael, 'Nature's Abstract Art'
“This photograph offers a glimpse into the icy depths of Antarctica, where this towering iceberg, weathered by the elements, stands as majestic symbols of nature’s resilience,” says Michael. “The reflection in the still water below adds an air of mystery and intrigue, inviting viewers to explore the unknown. The contrast between the rugged texture of the iceberg and the glassy smoothness of the water creates a striking juxtaposition, capturing the delicate balance within nature’s raw beauty.
“Taken in February 2024 during an Antarctic Expedition tour, this image was captured on a Zodiac cruise in Charlotte Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula, while searching for humpback whales. The morning light beautifully illuminates the side of the iceberg, revealing its intricate details.
“I feel that I’m not just a photographer — I’m also a storyteller. And this has been a result of working in the television industry as a Producer. During this time (over 45 years), my passion for photography has remained a constant, from the time when I started learning in high school till this very day.
“Over the past decade, I’ve dedicated myself to try to master the art of photography, constantly honing my skills through workshops and courses. My focus is on landscape and seascape photography, where light, colour, and movement come together to create images that tell a story – in which it’s a joy to share with the viewer.”
Web: www.mariamichaelphotography.com.au
Instagram: @maria_michael
Prize: OM SYSTEM OM-1 camera body (valued at $3,799), M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO lens (valued at $1,999), and M.Zuiko 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO (valued at $2,099). Total prize value $7,897.
Runner-up: Robin Riddle, 'Truth Spirit'
“It’s daybreak and the aircraft levels at 1500ft, shapes and patterns appear as the light filters throughout the landscape,” says Riddle. “There is no horizon as you face towards the earth, so you try and fathom what you are seeing. Can this be real? What is Mother Earth saying? I ask Michael my pilot to lean the aircraft to my right, dropping the wing whilst turning a wide 360-degree loop. As the light increases colours appear, some growing more intense whilst others grow softer. The images appear as spirits. These images speak of the past, of history written in the earth that can never be erased.
“The image “truth spirit” speaks to me of the injustice to our First Nations people. I see the frailty of an Aboriginal person as they struggle through time, it speaks of bloodshed, of extreme violence. Body fragments cover the ground, their blood and life soak into the earth. Yet, I see the earth embrace this spirit wrapping it in a cocoon, there is still hope.
“I believe nature talks to us. Every tree, plant, insect, bird, wind, ocean or mountain has a message, we are connected. However, through time we, the developed world, have lost that connection. We seem to have taken the earth for granted and every living creature on it, and it will cost us dearly.”
Robin lives on the Fraser Coast QLD where he continues to create bodies of works in the hope to give people other insights and perspectives to incredible landscapes. Prior to COVID, he lived and worked on the Sunshine Coast as a commercial photographer specialising in architecture.
In his aerial work he uses helicopters or fixed wing aircraft. All excursions are carefully planned through the use of Google Earth. This planning allows him to determine the area of interest, height, time of day, angle of the sun plus the preferred light and shadow requirements. He finds that aerial photography gives a new perspective – it draws us to nature’s natural order, its vibrant colours, beauty and mystery. The landscape can appear timeless, its shapes and patterns unimaginable from a ground perspective.
Web: www.robinriddlephotography.com
Instagram: @theloveofplanetearth
Prize: Kudos Cameras gift card valued at $300.
Landscape & Environment: Top 15
1. Maria Michael, 'Nature's Abstract Art'
2. Robin Riddle 'Truth Spirit'
3. Warren Lloyd, 'Duck at Dawn'
4. Kavan Chay, 'Winter Wonderland'
5. Natalie Finney, 'In the Lotus Garden'
6. Tony Ford, 'Dam Sun's Up'
7. Jackie Wilson, 'Salt'
8. Shaz Spannenburg, 'Wabi-Sabi'
9. Daniel Vaughan, 'Cenote Kaleidoscope'
10. Murray Mckean, 'Just Add Water #1'
11. Udo Bucher, 'Morning Glory'
12. Daniel Cook, 'Inner Glow'
13. Guy Templeton, 'Whale in Antarctic'
14. Scott Thompson, 'The Horns (Paine Horns)'
15. Mieke Boynton, 'Lone Tree of Lofoten'
ART & CONCEPTUAL
Winner: Matt Purdon, 'Ode to the slopes'
“Ode to the Slopes is a composite of photos that I took from a chairlift above a rapidly melting Perisher,” says Purdon. “Throughout that course of that hot afternoon, I watched desperate families try to soak up the remains of the disappearing ice and lacklustre powder, speeding down slopes and impatiently waiting in chairlift lines. The comedy of the situation inspired me to pull out my old Pentax film camera and snap some shots of the tourists every time I rode the chairlift. Anyone deemed close, colourful or comedic enough became a star. I polished off half a roll of Cinestill 400D that afternoon on that one slope, and didn't actually piece everything together until many months later. It was a relatively easy composite within Photoshop, taking less than an hour to achieve its final form. Coming from a photographic perspective where I don't like to touch-up many of the photos I take, this was an entertaining and enlightening contrast into a whole other field of artistry that I've barely scratched the surface of.
“My practice as an amateur photographer is a polarised one, informed by the philosophy of photographic seeing. Polarised because oftentimes it is hard to discern the difference between 'genuine' observation and looking at reality as an array of potential photographs.
“I think I'm drawn to film photography through the provision of ‘enhanced observation’. With digital cameras and the ability to review your work right after taking it, a disconnect occurs between you and what you were just experiencing through the viewfinder – you are taken from the real moment. You're a third wheel within your own presence. Films loans itself to an uninterrupted practice.”
Instagram: @mattppurdon
Prize: $2,000 cash plus an MSI prize pack valued at $500.
Runner-up: John Peters, 'Dreamscape'
“I have always been fascinated with dreams and along with it, dreamscapes,” says Peters. “Dreamscapes are places that might seem strangely familiar to certain people. These dreamscapes often lack realism, resulting in odd looking places with questionable colours. My image features a soft cloud floating by itself; with an oddly coloured fence standing below it with the shadow of the unknown cast upon it. The simplicity of this image is what forms the question, “where is this place?” It looks all too perfect to be real, it must be a dream…
“As for the ‘non-wide’ prime lens I was using, I had to take three images which would then be stitched together in order for me to compose this scene best. There were not many clouds on this day, so when I saw this cloud was about to be in perfect alignment with the fence, all that was left to do was to photograph it.
“My journey in photography started early 2022 at the age of 15, and ever since then I have continued to strive towards capturing photographs that can tell stories through their unique details. I have found my style of photography to be very minimalistic, which has formed a distinctive look in my portfolio. My main area of interest in photography is wildlife and flowers/plants, however every so often I will go out and seek more artistic compositions which have more meaning and depth to them. As I continue with my photography, this passion of mine has set a goal for me, to become a full-time photographer once I graduate school.”
www.johnpeters.mypixieset.com
Instagram: @johnpeters_photography
Prize: Kudos Cameras gift card worth $300.
Art & Conceptual: Top 15
1. Winner: Matt Purdon, Ode to the slopes'
2. John Peters, 'Dreamscape'
3. Stacey Nicholas, 'Cascade'
4. Carrie Jones, 'The in-between'
5. Dane Beesley, 'Umbrella Man'
6. Paul Evans, 'Still Life With'
7. Julie Casali, 'Oceanic Encounter'
8. Stephane Thomas, 'The Final Bow'
9. Natalie Finney, 'Biophilia'
10. Heidi Margocsy, 'It's Complicated'
11. James Stewart, 'Sonic Boom'
12. Jayaseelan Thangavel, 'Reaching Out'
13. Jeff Jones, 'Enchanted'
14. Paul Wesley, 'Mountain Biking'
15. Jackie Winkelman, 'Urban Hen No.2'
WEDDING & EVENT
Winner: Daniel Kuang, 'Nirvana'
“We were at an old train station where beams of light crashed through the high windows of the foyer,” says Kuang. “The bride and groom laughed, spun and embraced each other throughout the shoot and just enjoyed their time together. There was a moment of pause where the bride stood in the perfect spot, bathed in light and I was able to capture it. She looked completely at peace, and therefore the title of the image, Nirvana.
“I also grabbed the edge of her veil to create a small bit of foreground almost as if peering through to see her beauty, a small homage to modesty of the bride as well as to create an extra layer to the image.
“My journey started 20 years ago, and now I have dedicated myself to capturing genuine emotions of newlyweds, their squad, and all the guests celebrating their special day. With a deep appreciation for classic photography styles, I try to blend fundamental techniques like composition and lighting with contemporary approaches that emphasise capturing heartfelt moments in a more documentary style of photography. I also take pride in finding or creating unique lighting to craft distinctive shots that tell the story of each wedding.”
Instagram: @dearwhiteproductions
Prize: $2,000 plus a Camera House voucher valued at $1000.
Runner-up: Frank Cecconi, 'Like Father Like Son'
“This photo was taken at the groom’s parents’ house which was adorned with all manner of pictures and prints of family memories taken over the years,” says Cecconi. “One such picture was a frame of the groom's mother and father taken on their wedding day hanging on the wall of the main dining room. I knew there was a potential for a storytelling image here by incorporating the following three key elements: the parents both past and present, and of course the groom on his wedding day.
“I framed these elements by seating the groom on the sofa placed under his parents’ wedding photo and with his parents in the background. The real challenge was to incorporate a dynamic element and by having the father escort his wife out the door to their son's wedding ceremony, while the groom sat reading his speech, sipping a whiskey and contemplating his future as a married man, it tied in the journey of the patriarchs in this family both past and present.
“I've been a professional wedding photographer working with the premier wedding studio, Dezine by Mauro, for the past ten years. I learnt and honed my craft as a photographer by being schooled in the iconic style and imagery associated with Mauro Cantelmi.
“I've since broadened my expertise from weddings to now also incorporate portraiture in my repertoire. My motto: If it moves, shoot it!”
instagram: @frankiec01
Prize: Kudos Cameras gift card valued at $300
Wedding & Event Top 15
1. Daniel Kuang, 'Nirvana'
2. Frank Cecconi, 'Like Father Like Son'
3. Melanie Panteli, 'Taylah Portrait
4. Jamie Murcutt, 'Queen of Hearts
5. Deanne Kampe, 'The Embrace
6. Mauro Cantelmi, 'Cheers'
7. Alex Olguin, 'Touch Ups & Catch Ups'
8. Jamie Murcutt, 'Gattaca'
9. Mauro Cantelmi, 'Unveiling Silhouette'
10. Melissa Crisa, 'Big Girl Dreams'
11. Ben Connolly, 'Jess & Toby'
12. Emese Gyalog, 'Wedding 2024-Cocktail hour'
13. Frank Cecconi, 'OMFG!'
14. Lucy McGoldrick, 'The Prayer'
15. Lucy McGoldrick, 'The Veil'