And the winner is... - The Canberra Times

The Canberra Times Autumn Photo Competition winners, L to R Robbie Wallace of Bywong (3rd), Ben Kopilow of Kingston (2nd) and Helenna Stone of Wallaroo (1st), with the equipment they used to shoot their winning entries. Photo: Graham Tidy

Helenna Stone wanted to photograph something to create a wow factor.

The 41 year-old amateur photographer, one of hundreds who entered The Canberra Times Autumn photography competition, captured a duck-and-plough holding couple to win first prize of $500.

“I could have taken pictures of leaves or something similar, I have access to many natural resources, as the Murrumbidgee River flows nearby my property. However I love capturing people and emotions,” Ms Stone said.

The image was set near Wallaroo winery in the Brindabella area.

“A lot of people in Canberra and the winery region have a country background, whether they've grown up on farms, or their family has a farming history,” Ms Stone said.

The couple in the photo, from New Zealand, were clients of Ms Stone's however through learning about them she was able to capture their personality and create a friendship.

“My aim was to create something that meant something to the couple, but also their group of family and friends,” Ms. Stone said.

“I wanted to give the couple something that they could cherish and show to their children.”

The photography competition was an opportunity for people with little previous experience to showcase their work.

“It's the first time I've ever entered a competition,” said Ms. Stone.

Finalists Robbie Wallace, 46, and Ben Kopilow, 43, were also selected by a panel of Canberra Times editorial staff.

With intricate detailing of mist on the lake, Mr Kopilow's image won second prize of $300.

“I caught it all on my iPhone just after sunrise about 7.30 in the morning, it's amazing what you can do with the right conditions,” said Mr Kopilow.

“I was riding my bike along the path at Lake Burley Griffin which is something a lot of people in Canberra enjoy,” said Mr Kopilow.

Third prize recipient, Ben Wallace, also used a country backdrop capturing the charming character of his two dogs on his farm.

“It's very encouraging to have my work recognised,” said Mr. Wallace.

TWO GALLERIES OF THE ENTRIES CAN BE BE FOUND HERE AND HERE.