1st Agriculture

Fragments of a day by Carlotta Taylor
17 year old student of Hamilton Girls’ High School

This image presents the shearing shed as a stage. It is successful both as narrative and graphically; the arrangement suggests a kind of agricultural altarpiece. Highly rhythmic, almost cinematic. As you never see the shearers face it is more an image of shearing than of a particular shearer. A successful example of a subject being amplified by the craft of the photographer.

2nd Agriculture

Wheat by Niko LeBel
14 year old home schooled student of Westport

This image is all about atmosphere. Narrow depth of field and good description of the pattern and texture of the wheat contrasted with an unexpected but successful purple brown tone. This gives a resemblance to the qualities of early 20th century Autochromes. Soft and delicate image.

3rd Agriculture

Kiwifruit by Hugh Mitton
16 year old student of Christchurch Boys’ High School

It is amazing this has not been done before and offers interesting marketing prospects for Zespri. Graphically striking, simple and well executed idea.

1st Science

The Seal by Andrew Worsley
15 year old student of Hillcrest High School

Effective sense of movement in the blur and satisfyingly framed. Like the simplicity of form. Blue background successfully evokes the limitless sea. Unity between the final result and evidence of process.

2nd Science

Beads Of Genius by Mallory Tippet
17 year old student of Cashmere High School

Good use of narrow depth of field and nice print tonality, effective use of the diptych to form a greater whole image. There is a good unity between the two images. Well observed use of transparent subject matter and evidence of careful attention to the light. Like the awkward, cramped framing style which makes the feel of the images slightly claustrophobic.

3rd Science

The Crucible by Dill Huang
16 year old student of Macleans College Auckland

The real strength of this image is the moody low key tonality punctuated by a bright central highlight and soft plume of vapour. The overall impression is of alchemy that suggests timelessness. Successful use of narrow depth of field which concentrates attention on the subject.

Waikato Student Resident

Straight from the horse’s mouth by Kenyon Marais
13 year old student of Hamilton Boys’ High School

Funny. Point of view of a blade of grass moments before being eaten. Good commitment by the photographer getting this close. Interestingly cropped view which focuses the attention on less seen parts of a horses face.

Brisbane Biofutures Travel Prize

Dawn of a new age by Sergei Litvinenko
18 year old student of Hamilton’s Fraser High School

A fresh look at the humble clover leaf, a familiar element of NZ pasture. The low point of view makes the clover look both monumental and delicate. By looking directly towards the sun the photographer produces a high contrast silhouette, punctuated perfectly by a lively sun-flare.

Farm Safety

Timberrrrr!!! by Michael Malone
16 year old student from Hamilton Boys’ High School

Lively sense of danger, dramatic image with flying woodchips and effective communication of the concept of farm safety.