By following a few simple hints and tips, you'll take a better photograph and increase your chances of sharing in the prize pool for yourself and your school. 

2012, First Place, Years 8 - 10, Celebrating Human Energy

Hannah Binstead, Duncraig Senior High School

 First Place - Celebrating Human Energy - Hannah Binstead

With or without intention humans will leave a mark wherever they go.

General Hints on Taking a Great Photo

• Remember the rule of thirds when composing your picture – landscape or portrait.
• Steady yourself by leaning against an object or elbows on chest and slowly squeeze the shutter release.
• Photos taken at dawn or dusk give warmth and long shadows. Noon is bleached out and flat.
• Position yourself with the sun behind or to one side.
• Move close to the subject.
• Include a reference point to add scale eg a truck.
• Create depth by adding pointers eg. A person at the front can add depth to the focus of the distant view.
• Take lots of shots and select the best for submission.

2012, Third Place, Years 11 - 12, Respecting Biodiversity

Benn Tudor-Roberts, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School

 Third Place - Respecting Biodiversity - Benn Tudor-Roberts

A recently hatched Willie Wagtail (or Chitty Chitty in Nyoongar) sits in its cobweb nest demanding to be fed.

 

Hints on Writing a Good Caption

A photograph may be worth a thousand words, but a caption tells the viewer much more about the image they are seeing.

The challenge with the Focus Environment competition is to write a concise, clear caption that addresses the entry category in 25 words or under.

Some hints for writing a winning caption are:

• Answer the five Ws – who, what, when, where, why?
• Be accurate – correct spelling, punctuated properly, facts right.
• Be short and succinct.  Use an active voice with suitable vocabulary.
• Don’t state the obvious, but summarise in complete sentences what the photo represents.
• Provide a context by telling people something they don’t know from just looking at the photo.
• Explain the setting and why the photo is relevant to the theme.

2012, Second Place, Years 11 - 12, Respecting Biodiversity

Matthew Ball, Mindarie Senior College

 Second Place - Respecting Biodiversity - Matthew Ball

Respecting native plants and animals is fundamental to upkeep a healthy balance of wildlife as each has their own role to play in the environment.

Another great hint is to ensure you enter the correct category for each photograph submitted. There are three Photo Categories and you'll increase your chances of winning by entering the correct category.