The LHI Open Day 2023 Photography Competition is closed.
We were impressed by the talent shown in the entries, which showcased the versatile connection that residents and visitors have to the Island.
Thank you to everyone who entered their best photos into this year’s competition and congratulations to the prize winners!
Prizes were generously donated by the Lord Howe Island Brewery, Lord Howe Island Distilling Co, Lord Howe Island Brewing Co, Lord Howe Island Bowling Club, Love Lord Howe, Iyara Spa, Island Showcase, Benny’s Fish Truck, Spirulina Wanders, Coral Café, and Thornleigh Farm.
Check out some of the inspiring photos our judging panel pondered over:
Gower Wilson refuelling a plane – Peter Phillips. Judges’ comments: “Gower’s contribution to the Island goes without question.” (Winner- Capture the Community) 
Morning walk to Boat Harbour – Karen Giles. Judges’ comments: “Beautifully captures the reward of a trek to Boat Harbour, coming down the ridge and seeing the glistening ocean.” (Winner- Hidden Gems) 
Sunset fires – Maddy Andrews. Judges’ comments: “The Island’s woodfired BBQs bring locals and tourists together for special times with friends and family.” (Runner up- Capture the Community) 
Erskine Valley – Brent Madden. Judges’ comments: “There is serenity in seeing one couple taking time to enjoy this spectacular beauty via a tinny.” (Runner up- Hidden Gems) 
Misty sunlight walks to Little Island – Andrea Young. Judges’ comments: “Nice capture of the light through the palms.” (Highly commended) 
Misty sunlight walks to Little Island – Andrea Young. Judges’ comments: “Nice capture of the light through the palms.” (Highly commended) 
Home – Karen Giles. Judges’ comments: “This photo evokes a strong connection to the Island” (Highly commended) 
Flying free at Clear Place – Lisa Phelan. Judges’ comments: “Red-tailed tropic birds hold a special place in the hearts of Islanders, their tail feathers are prized. Clear Place is a hidden gem to most.” (Highly commended) 
Wave tunnel at south passage – Brent Madden. Judges’ comments: “Great shot, and represents the surfing cohort of the community, seen through the eyes of a second surfer watching through the tube.” (Highly commended) 
Horn-eyed Ghost Crab – Lisa Phelan. Judges’ comments: “Great shot, and a nice example of how integral nature is to the Lord Howe experience.” (Highly commended) 
Palmscape – Karen Giles 
Mt Eliza Summit at golden hour – Jonathan Fuhri 
Old Gulch – Karim Delano Quijado 
Lord Howe from a hang glider – Jack Shick 
Preparing to land – Lisa Phelan 
Jetty jumping – Maddy Andrews 
Kings Point – Brent Madden 
Middle Beach – Jonathan Fuhri 
Nelson ‘The Native’ Retmock on a nice day at Ned’s Beach – Peter Phillips 
Bike riding along Lagoon Road – Maddy Andrews
Winning entries
A winner and a runner up were selected for each of the photo categories.
We received so many brilliant photos that three highly commended shots were also identified per category.
These shots were unveiled and the winners announced at LHI Open Day 2023 on Wednesday, 4 October.
Capture the Community
- Winner: ‘Gower Wilson refuelling a plane’ – Peter Phillips
- Runner up: ‘Sunset fires’ – Maddy Andrews
- Highly commended: ‘Flying free at Clear Place’ – Lisa Phelan; ‘Horn-eyed Ghost Crab’ – Lisa Phelan; ‘Wave tunnel at south passage’ – Brent Madden
Hidden Gems
- Winner: ‘Morning walk to Boat Harbour’ – Karen Giles
- Runner up: ‘Erskine Valley’ – Brent Madden
- Highly commended: ‘Palmscape’ – Karen Giles; ‘The mountains and palms in moonlight’ – Jack Shick; ‘Home’ – Karen Giles
Judging panel
The winning shots were selected after deliberation between Suzie Christensen and Brad Josephs- Lord Howe Island Board, and Bronwyn Tofaeono- Community Representative.
The images were judged based on how they represented the category, and showcased it with visual appeal.