Gavin Kellett, Budawangs first light (LANDSCAPE 2024)

We were lucky to encounter perfect weather for the June 2023 long weekend in the Budawangs, NSW. All three images were taken with first light, and being close to winter solstice that meant we didn't need to leave the warmth of our sleeping bags too early in the morning. There are two images from the top of the Castle, the first one with beautiful yellow and purple hues looking across over Byangee Walls to Pigeon House Mountain, and the other a touch later looking down the path where we climbed up the evening before down the tail and across to Nibelung Crags and Shrouded Gods. The third image illustrates awe. My friend spontaneously jumped with joy and I captured it. That area was on the edge of Mount Cole, rugged and remote and not any other human within sight.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.