A retired anaesthetist, who for many years worked alongside ophthalmologists on delicate eye surgeries, has been awarded the grand finalist prize and the prize for the health professionals’ category of the 2014 mEYE World Photographic Competition.
The mEYE World Photographic Competition is an initiative of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, designed to raise awareness of macular disease. In 2014 the theme for all entries was ‘a sight worth saving’.
Sydney’s Dr. Kerry Boytell won the competition with a hard earned image of a snow leopard in the high country of Montana.
More than 1,300 photographs were entered into the competition. Entries were judged by Macular Disease Foundation Australia Patron Ita Buttrose OAM, leading Australian artist Ken Done, internationally renowned photographer Rex Dupain and one of Australia’s longest serving news photographers, Alan Pryke.
My fingers were so cold it was hard to control the camera
Dr. Boytell said although it often requires time, waiting hours to capture the perfect shot, she had just one attempt to get her winning image.
“My husband (Eric) and I were on a game farm, in the high country of Montana (United States),” said Dr. Boytell. “There was a snow leopard running around and we were told if we stayed at a particular point it would probably come out. We waited there in the freezing snow for half an hour and finally, it came.
“My fingers were so cold it was hard to control the camera and when the moment came to shoot, when the snow leopard climbed up on to that ledge, it was amazing. But it happened so quickly that I didn’t have time to check what I’d captured before it dived away.”
Speaking of Dr. Boytell’s winning entry, judge Alan Pryke said “Photography is all about timing. If you can identify the perfect moment and capture it, you’ll have a great shot. I think we can all agree this is true of this year’s grand finalist winner.”
Other category winners in the 2014 mEYE World Photographic Competition were:
- Macular Disease Community – Yvonne Hill, Paralowie SA
- Open (General Public) – Corinne Le Gall, Vincentia NSW
- Junior (Under 18) – Mikayla McCubben, Kingscliff NSW
Ms. Buttrose, who has judged the competition for four years said: “Photography captures the world around us like no other medium. It gives unique insight into the world of the photographer. The theme ‘a sight worth saving’ resulted in entries that were diverse in subject and deeply personal to the individual behind the lens.
“Macular disease affects Australians of all ages and we know that early detection can save sight. The competition is a wonderfully creative way to remind people how precious their sight is and why we should do all we can to preserve it,” Ms. Buttrose said.
To find out more and register for updates on the 2015 mEYE World Photographic Competition, visit www.meyephotocomp.com.au