By following a few simple hints and tips, you'll take a better photograph and increase your chances of sharing in more than $30,000 prize pool for yourself and your school. 

2011, Third Prize, Years 8 - 10,                                  

People and the Environment

David Attwell, Scotch College

 Third Prize - Locked In - David Attwell

Is it nature that we're looking away or ourselves?

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.

2011, Third Prize, Years 11 - 12, Twilight Sunset

Simone Dressel, Bunbury Catholic College

 Third Prize - Twilight Sunset - Simone Dressel

Capturing the moment of perfect harmony: man interacts with the environment and in turn gains peace at the close of the day.

 

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.

2011, Highly Commended, Years 11 - 12, Nature Mood's

Jakob Brooks, Carine Senior High School

 Highly Commended - Morning Sunset - Jakob Brooks

From the ravages of winter the warm summer sands of Trigg return to remind us of just how tranquil life can be.

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.