“Time for a Fag” – Nikon 2014 Auckland Photo Day winner

“Time for a Fag” – Nikon 2014 Auckland Photo Day winner

The winners of the Nikon Auckland Photo Day 2014 competition have been announced. More than 1000 entries were received this year, adding to a unique archive of more than 11,000 images taken of Auckland and its communities since the annual June event first took place in 2004’s Auckland Festival of Photography.

2014’s winner is Dave Barker’s image Time for a Fag which shows a newly-wed couple relaxing at the water’s edge. Judges praised the top photograph for its “fortuitously captured and intriguing moment bathed in a golden light - a photograph that asks questions of the people, customs, traditions and consumption. It’s brilliant because of the multiple readings that can emerge from this single image. A split world of idealism versus reality.”

Second prize went to Katie Quinney’s engaging photograph, Rugby People, of faces of fans at Eden Park. The judges said: “A decisive moment capturing a lone English supporter amidst a chaotic scene of varying reactions, made more intriguing by the reversed emphasis away from the game”.

Third prize was awarded to Chris van Ryn’s image Lazyboy Time, with a photograph of a building site with three men taking a “smoko”. The judges commented: “A building site becomes an outdoor lounge for three men relaxing, using wheelbarrows as loungers, it’s an outdoor setting with the intimacy of a living room”.

2014’s Nikon Auckland Photo Day judges were Associate Professor Megan Jenkinson, Chris Traill, FNZIPP and Nikon Business Imaging manager, Jono Higgins. You can view 2014’s shortlisted entries – and vote online for your favourites in the People’s Choice category by visiting http://www.photographyfestival.org.nz/photo-day/peoples-choice/index.cfm from 18 to 30 June.

As part of his prize Dave Barker will receive a brand new Nikon D5300 w AF-S DX NIkkOR 18-140MM VR LENS. This lightweight, full-featured DX-format D-SLR has a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, 39-point, and Full HD movie recording. Nikon’s first DSLR to feature a built-in Wi-Fi®, so you can instantly transfer your photos*. Crystal-clear 3.2-inch LCD vari-angle monitor lets you shoot at any angle.

2nd prize winner Katie Quinney will receive a NIKON 1 AW1 Waterproof Camera. The world’s first rugged interchangeable lens camera. Waterproof to 15m, shockproof to 2m, and operates at -10c. The 14.2 megapixel uses an advanced AF system and Expeed 3A image processor to give 15 frames per second performance in any environment.

3rd prize winner Chris van Ryan receives a NIKON COOLPIX P340. The small in stature, high in performance, NIKON COOLPIX P340 features 12.2 megapixels, an f/1.8 lens and large ISO sensitivity range for clarity in all conditions. With Wi-Fi and full creative control this pocket rocket provides full functionality on the move.

Each of the top three winners also receive a DVD on photographer Annie Liebowitiz, with each top 20 entrant receiving a DVD on photography, and all 30 shortlisted entrants receive a Lexar JUMPDRIVE S50 8GB.

The People’s Choice winner will win a NIKON COOLPIX S9700. With its powerful 30x optical zoom, the S9700 offers extreme telephoto shooting in a compact camera. Dynamic Fine Zoom extends your range to 60x to get even closer to the action. With built-in GPS and Wi-Fi®, it’s the compact camera that elevates your photographic experience.

Nikon Business Imaging manager, Jono Higgins says Nikon is proud to continue its association with the Auckland Festival of Photography, and to present the Nikon Auckland Photo Day. “Nikon’s participation reflects the support of the grass roots photography in New Zealand. This event allows any photographer regardless of skill or equipment to play a role in capturing and documenting Auckland’s fabric and culture. It aims to broaden the engagement with all Aucklanders that want to share their social commentary on their city. This ‘day in the life’ competition continues to reveal Auckland’s diverse people and places. Our city is rich fodder for anyone with an image capture device. This event is unashamedly Auckland centric – though we are delighted so many out-of-town entrants are lured to the city of rain and sales to participate in the event,” Mr Higgins says.

Auckland Festival of Photography spokesperson Julia Durkin says “This year’s competition has socially diverse stories at it’s core by Aucklanders who have taken part in creating their own cultural heritage from across Auckland, it emphasises that photography is the contemporary art form of choice by the public .”

Nikon Auckland Photo Day

Nikon Auckland Photo Day is Auckland’s largest public photography competition. 2014’s competition, held on Saturday 7 June, is one of the highlights of the annual Auckland Festival of Photography.

Auckland Festival of Photography

The Auckland Festival of Photography is an annual regional contemporary art and cultural event that takes place each June. Festival exhibitions and events feature in major galleries, as well as community spaces. The free festival brings the work of New Zealand and international photographers to Auckland audiences and features images that reflect the region’s diverse cultures, communities and identity. Participation and community access are the primary drivers of its free public programme, produced each year by the Auckland Festival of Photography Trust. Since 2004, the not for profit charitable trust has grown the festival into a major regional and international event, through programming that has grown audiences for photography across Auckland. The Auckland Festival of Photography Trust is a founding member of the Asia Pacific Photoforum, an organisation enhancing the presence of photography across the Asia Pacific region as a means of artistic expression and dissemination of ideas. The Asia Pacific Photoforum is made up of international photography festivals across New Zealand, Australia and Asia.

www.photographyfestival.org.nz

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