LANDSCAPE 2021: TOP 20
WINNER, LANDSCAPE CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2021
CHANDRA BONG, 'FOUR PEAKS OF PATAGONIA'
Sydney-based photographer Chandra Bong’s breathtaking landscape category winning portfolio was captured during a visit to Chile and Argentina. He said he was graced with extremely dynamic and unique weather on his 17-day trip.
“From an unexpected rainbow that appeared for just seconds at Mirador Base las Torres on our second sunrise hike, to 110kmh wind gusts sweeping across Lago Nordenskjöld that created a magical atmosphere around the fields of dead trees of Torres del Paine National Park, we experienced it all,” he said.
Captured with a mix of wide angle and telephoto lenses, his magnificent portfolio stunned the judges with its dynamism and atmosphere. Truly a magnificent view.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
Matt Palmer: This series from Patagonia is undeniably impactful, showcasing the majestic scenery of the region. The series explores these mountains in different contexts, whether in amazing weather with a rainbow, through winding trees, or the simplicity of focusing directly on the peaks in gorgeous golden light. Despite the different approaches to each image, the series ties together well with consistencies in editing and the handling of colour and detail.
Drew Hopper: Chandra has captured the drama and essence of the Patagonian landscape artistically well. His strong use of composition really pulls the viewer inwards into the scenes to give us a sense of being there with him in the wild. Post-processing is tastefully done to bring the mood alive; I can almost feel the changing environment from looking at these images.
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RUNNER UP, LANDSCAPE CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2021
NIALL CHANG, 'SHIFTING SANDS THROUGH TIME'
Niall Chang’s beautifully minimalist series Shifting sands through time was captured over two days at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California.
“I arrived an hour before sunrise and trekked for 45 minutes to get deep into the dunes,” he explained. “From here on, all sense of direction was lost as I was surrounded by sand dunes, one indistinguishable from another. As the sun peeked through the horizon, the varying light intensity defined the dunes through a myriad of colours.”
“In my photography I am drawn by the light, form, texture and shape of the land and its transient beauty under unpredictable conditions,” he said. For our judges, his control of all these elements, paired with his meticulous attention to detail, made this series a strong favourite.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
Matt Palmer: This series shows a sense of refinement and mastery by showing dunes of different shapes, colours, and all with a background that complements each composition and subject. The images have been approached as a series that sits well together and I could see them being exhibited as a body of work. Each image shows great subtlety and handling of tones and colour.
Lisa Michele Burns: The cohesive shapes, peaks, valleys, and shadows Niall has captured, allowed this portfolio to immediately stand out. Having photographed this location myself, I'm so impressed by his creative vision to seek out these formations within such a vast landscape and compose them in a way that ensures they all connect beautifully. I'm drawn to the textures Niall has showcased throughout this series; ranging from soft to rugged, they blend effortlessly, and credit should also be given to his editing skills, just the right amount of everything.
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TOP 20 FINISHERS, LANDSCAPE CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2021
3. Photo © Darren Gentle. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
4. Photo © Lisa Shaw. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
5. Photo © Don Saunderson. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
6. Photo © George Puschner. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
7. Photo © Steve Pole. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
8. Photo © Christine Goerner. Places Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
9. Photo © Christine Goerner. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
10. Photo © Mark Thomas. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
10. Photo © Chelsea Hart. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
12. Photo © Kate Hanton. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
13. Photo © Drew Sculthorpe. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
14. Photo © Richard Tonkin. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
15. Photo © Kaimin Tsui. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
15. Photo © Steve Pole. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
17. Photo © Kerryn Buckley. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
19. Photo © Trace O'Rourke. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
19. Photo © Christine Gordon. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
20. Photo © Anne Algar. Landscape Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.