“The Kodak Salon is an annual event celebrating the latest developments in photo-based practice. An open-entry exhibition and competition the Kodak Salon provides an excellent opportunity to exhibit work in a professional, high profile context. Over $16,000 worth of prizes will be awarded. The Kodak Salon is one of the largest and most renowned photographic award exhibitions in the country, including artists from all around Australia.”

The opening at the Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne’s leading photographic gallery which has nearly 1/4 million visits a year, was tonight.  I went along, as I had entries in this, Australia’s most prestigious open entry photographic competition. After spending an hour looking at the over 440 entries the throng gathered for the announcement of the winners. The first award result read out was for “Most Powerful Transformative Experience”, and the phrase was quickly followed by my name. I was stunned. Then I was elated. Then I was relieved, as it really vindicated all the work I have been doing on my fine art photography these past few years since I took up a camera again. Then I was still stunned.

This is my winning image:

As for the exhibition as a whole, I was impressed by the feshness, vitality, variety, high level of technical skill and creativity on display.  The exhibition is on until the 25th September. It’s well worth the effort to see.