Let your camera capture the story of our unique environment

Photographers who love capturing creative, inspiring and emotive images of the Sunshine Coast’s beautiful environment can now enter an art award with a difference launched today by Sunshine Coast Council.

The 2016 Sunshine Coast Environment Photography Awards – offering three prizes with a total value of $8500 – are an exciting opportunity for local photographers to use their skills and passion to share the story of the Coast’s natural and built landscapes.

Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said council aimed for the 2016 Awards to build on the success of last year’s Sunshine Coast Landscape and Wildlife Photography Award that showcased the region’s unique environment and lifestyle.

“Last year’s talented entrants captured hundreds of fantastic images that have been incorporated into promotional materials and have also spent the last seven months on exhibition in council’s libraries,” Cr McKay said.

“They have been seen and enjoyed by thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

“This year we have expanded the competition to include two new categories – the new open category aims to strengthen the visual dialogue between people and their interaction with the natural and built environment, as well as a junior award to encourage budding young photographers.

“After seeing the high quality and quantity of entries we received last year, we are anticipating these will be hotly contested awards again in 2016 and I can’t wait to see the finalists in September.”

The Environment Levy is supporting the nature-based category to help the broader community to immerse themselves in the region’s natural values which support their lifestyles and livelihoods.

Entries open June 16 and close on August 3.  Entry is free for residents of the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area and just $25 per person for people living outside the region.

Entrants under 18 years of age must have the consent of their parent or guardian to enter. Images must be captured within the Sunshine Coast Council local government area.

 Total prize pool – 2016 Sunshine Coast Environment Photography Awards:

•    Nature based – $4000 first prize (supported by the Environment Levy)
•    People/human interaction with natural and built environment – $4000 first prize (supported by Living Smart)
•   Junior award – $500 (gift voucher) first prize (supported by Living Smart).

To enter and for further details visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/envirophotoawards.