Strong Voices

Photography has always been a feature of the mixed media IHC Arts Awards, with strong images competing for attention among hundreds of paintings, drawings, sculpture and textiles.

Last year IHC launched a separate competition – Capture the Moment – to give photographers their own platform to showcase their art.

This year, photographers entering Capture the Moment were given the theme ‘Your Aotearoa New Zealand’. Three judges: IHC Patron Dame Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, Wellington commercial photographer Anna Briggs and Hawke’s Bay photographer Shayne Jeffares were given the job of selecting the top images. Winners and finalists will again be showcased at FOTO FEST in Hastings from 15–25 September and are available for purchase.

Shayne says when he is judging he will be looking for composition but also something more. “It’s going to be something I see and I am going to go wow! and then look to see any skill that will add impact.” And, he says, he always loves images with people in them, that tell a story.

Anna says she is looking for an image that will draw her in by its subject matter, but keep her engaged because of its composition, use of light and colour or lack of colour. “A good mix of these elements make up a great image for me and will take me on the photographer’s journey. ”FOTO FEST, established by Shayne last year, includes exhibitions, workshops and competitions with something for everyone to get involved in –with or without a camera.

The photography competition has gone from strength to strength, in partnership with FOTO FEST. In 2022 more than 400 people viewed the Capture the Moment finalists at a venue shared with images from the Hawke’s Bay Photographic Society.

The number of entries in Capture the Moment 2023 has doubled to just over 150 and the top images will be exhibited in central Hastings.

Caption: Dunedin Railway Station, by Callum Flett, was the winner of the 2022 IHC Capture the Moment photographic competition.

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