Memorable Moments in Nature photo competition prize winners announced

Congratulations to the winners of the WA Parks Foundation’s Memorable Moments in Nature photo competition held as part of this year’s Spring into Parks.
With 1,465 entries, the response and standard were overwhelmingly high and indicative of the passion people feel with their inner connection to nature and the love of our parks in Western Australia.
First prize went to Carol Strang for her photo Lovely Honey Possum – Fitzgerald River National Park. Carol wins the $1000 Ultimate Park Pack.
Lex Porebski won second prize for Hopetoun Bathers (Dolphins) – Hopetoun/ Fitzgerald biosphere. He wins the $450 Connect with Nature Pack.

Second prize goes to Lex Porebski for his photo entitled “Hopetoun Bathers” Hopetoun/ Fitzgerald biosphere
Three runners-up – highly commended, in no particular order, are:
Willie Wagtail Hunting, Mindarie by Paul Jarvis

Willie Wagtail Hunting, Mindarie by Paul Jarvis
“And he said” (Numbat), Dryandra, WA by Andrea Watts

“And he said” (Numbat), Dryandra Woodland National Park, WA by Andrea Watts
Reflecting at the waterhole, Manning Gorge, Gibb River Road, Kimberley WA by Naomi Hood-Penn

Reflecting at the waterhole, Manning Gorge, Gibb River Road, Kimberley WA by Naomi Hood-Penn
They each win a WA Parks Foundation individual membership and an Annual All Parks Pass for free access to WA’s national parks.
Wild Earth Images landscape and wildlife photographer Richard Smyth, who was among the judges, said the Honey Possum picture was “outstanding on so many levels – colours, definition and composition.”
Richard thought the Hopetoun Bathers was a unique shot and congratulated the photographer for managing to capture the dolphins lined up through the wave, all coming towards him at the same time.
”Pretty clever and certainly a “memorable moment.”
Melanie Wilshin, General Manager, WA Parks Foundation, who was among the judges, said the high quality of submissions received was outstanding and it was a big challenge to select the prize winners.
“The WA Parks Foundation will be featuring many shortlisted photos in the coming weeks,” she said.
Other judges were:
Pat Barblett AM, WA Parks Foundation Ambassador and retired photographer.
Ainslie de Vos, WA Parks Foundation Director, Ambassador and communication adviser.
Fiona Cooper Smyth, Marketing and Partnerships Manager, WA Parks Foundation (amateur photographer and artist).
Thank you to our supporters who provided prizes: RAC Parks & Resorts, Matagarup Zip+Climb; Two Feet and a Heartbeat; Camera Electronic; Mindful in Nature, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).