Annette steps into the spotlight

The light caught Annette Blattman’s eye; filtering through drizzling rain, the soft afternoon sunlight was ideal for photography.

Two exuberant young nephews and an umbrella were the other ingredients in the photograph which, today, took first prize at Wyong Shire Council’s annual Photographic Competition and exhibition.

The Sydney photographer knew she had “one of those special shots”.

“The sense of movement and youthfulness was showcased perfectly by the lighting conditions. The challenge was to bring it all together and do justice to the moment”

A keen photographer for much of her life, Annette, from St Mary’s, stepped up her hobby five years ago, graduating to a Canon 30D digital camera. She earned $1,000 for her Wyong win, as well as another $200 for also taking out both the ‘People’ and ‘Landscape’ categories.

In its seventh year, the Wyong Shire Council Photography Competition and Exhibition attracted more than 600 entries. They will remain on display in Wyong’s civic centre for the next week, with the exception of Good Friday.

Second place of $600 went to Toowoon Bay photographer, Narelle Grace, for a striking black and white study of three Flamenco dancers in Barcelona, Spain.

“The photograph was taken with a Lumix Panasonic digital camera during a visit to Europe in 2005. People watching are in focus, but the dancers themselves are blurred, which gives a feeling of movement.

A keen black and white photographer, Narelle is a member of camera clubs at The Entrance and Gosford and has been pursuing her hobby seriously for the past five years.

A landscape photograph of inland Australia caught the attention of the judges for third place.

Wamberal’s Fred Morris, took the shot 18 months ago on his Canon AE1 film camera. A photographer for at least 40 years and a member of both The Entrance and Central Coast League camera clubs, Fred won $400.

The photo show is part of the popular Central Coast Festival of Arts, which is also underway at Wyong’s Memorial Hall.

In a strong field, Sydney artist, Brian Stratton OAM, of Bringelly, was judged the winner of the $10,000 Valhalla Village Open Award for his painting entitled ‘Southern View, Farina’.

Festival judges described the watercolour as a “fine example” which “represents the clarity of remote South Australian desert” and “tells a poignant story with which the viewer can easily empathise”.

Newcastle’s Roger McFarlane, took out the $4,000 Yeramba Estates Sculpture Award for ‘Aida’, which judges described as “world class”.

Gary Laird, of Sydney, was judged winner of the $2,000 Delta Electricity Traditional section for his painting ‘Junee Landscape’. The winner is currently in London for an exhibition of his work.

‘ Still Life’ by Tumbi Umbi’s Peter Smeeth, won the $600 David Monk Memorial Award for the outstanding Central Coast artist in the exhibition.

Eighteen year old former Henry Kendall High School student, Alanna Groth, was named the winner of the $500 Russ Graham Commemorative Award for student visual art.

The festival is run by the Rotary Club of Toukley. Exhibition times are 10am to 8pm on Saturday 22 and 29 March and 10am to 6pm each weekday until 28 March.

See additional information about the photo show.

Media contact: Ian Roberts (02) 4350 5525

Page last updated: 14/03/2008