[adrotate group=”2″]
By JACINTA CUMMINS | SPONSORED
HEIDI Morris can remember the first time she realised she had an eye for photography.
“I’d taken photos on Mum and Dad’s cameras from when I was about eight and they always told me they were great shots, but I thought they were just proud parents,” the Moree born and bred photographer behind The Lens of Rosie explained.
“But when I won my first prize at the Moree Show with a photo of our dog, Pip’s, paws on the back deck, I realised ‘Oh maybe my photos are actually good because the judge thought so’!”
Show for this photo of her dog Pip’s paws was crucial in encouraging her to pursue
photography as a 12-year-old. IMAGE: Heidi Morris
This early recognition encouraged Heidi to keep taking photos and work two jobs to save up to buy her first “good camera”, a Canon 1000D twin lens kit, at the age of 14.
“Dad drove me to Tamworth to buy it and I used it for years for everything from taking photos on “Davenport Downs” in the Channel Country to show my friends in Brissie and the Goldy what station life was like through to some of my first paid gigs for brands like Akubra.”
Heidi started working as a photographer full time in 2020 with her clients including NBN Co and the New South Wales government and she has just returned from shooting weddings in America under renowned New York wedding photographer Shawn Connell.
[adrotate group=”2″]
She’s also just picked up her first photography judging gig as the judge of the Senex Wandoan Photo Challenge in March.
“I’m really excited to be a part of this year’s Wandoan Photo Challenge because competitions like this give kids who are just like I was when I was 12 the chance to get some recognition for their photos or feedback on how to improve them.
“Social media really helped me get a name for my photos, but it was that early recognition at the Moree Show which made me pursue photography.
“I can’t wait to see all the entries in this year’s Wandoan Photo Challenge, but I’m especially excited to see the junior category photos.
“I find young people often think they need the newest and the best equipment to pursue photography seriously, but they don’t.
“The best camera you have is the one you already have when you want to take a photo.
“So much of photography comes down to having an eye for it and composition.
[adrotate group=”2″]
“Your camera records what you put in front of it, but it’s up to you to choose the angle and the perspective or what time of day you’re taking photos to see how different light can create a totally different photo.
“To me, a good photo creates or evokes a feeling, it freezes a moment in time and takes people back to it when they look at it.
“My dog Pip died last year after being part of our family for 15 years and so that very first photo of her that I won a prize with is so special along with all the other shots we have of her.
“It reminds us of her and that’s really important whether it’s your childhood pet or parents or grandparents.”
Heidi’s top tip for anyone entering photos in the Wandoan Photo Challenge is to take photos of what you know and love.
“Whether it’s a backyard BBQ where your dad’s burning the snags or trying to find a new angle to get a fresh take on a frequently photographed subject or place, just get creative and try new things.
“Play with lighting and composition to tell a story or create a feeling that documents that moment,” she said.
“It’s safe to take a generic photo, but you’ll only ever end up with generic photos so this is your chance to try new things and experiment.”
Senex Community Relations Manager Trevor Robertson said Senex was delighted to once again be sponsoring the Wandoan Photo Challenge.
[adrotate group=”2″]
“The new Open Categories Faces and Places give people an opportunity to capture the people and the places which make Wandoan such a unique area and there’s the Small Town, Big Country Category for everything else,” Trevor said.
“Senex is proud to continue our partnership with both the Wandoan Photo Challenge and the Wandoan Show Society to host this renowned photography competition with its cash prize pool of more than $5000,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you take your photos on a fancy camera or on your phone up the paddock, people have won with photos taken on anything from their phone all the way to a professional photographer’s set up!”
All photos must have been taken since March 18, 2022 and within a 100 kilometre radius of Wandoan as the crow flies.
The top 30 photos Heidi shortlists will be displayed at the Wandoan Show on April 14 and 15 for the public to vote for their favourite to win the People’s Choice prizes.
Enter your photos online at www.wandoanphotochallenge.com before March 24.
[adrotate group=”2″]
