'Dangar Life' Photo Comp
Initiated by Michael Liebenberg, the 2026 Dangar Life Photo Comp received a total of 160 photos from 144 people across three age categories of under 9's; under 16's; and adults.
Process: The photos were categorised and anonymised by Nicola for judges Hilary and Genevieve, who had the difficult task of narrowing down the entries into their personal top picks. The judges then deliberated for over 2 hours, discussing the merits of their selections before agreeing on the final 5 and the winner of each category.
Judging: Making the final decisions was not an easy task by any measure. As a whole, we felt it was important to include a diverse range of subjects and interpretations of 'Dangar Life'. Individually, the top 15 images were selected based on composition, exposure, creativity, and the thought or story within the frame. Above all else, the photographs needed to capture a uniquely 'Dangar Life' moment.
Of course, there were many excellent photos that met these criteria yet sadly, still did not make it to the top 5. The judges found this particularly tough, and - as is the nature of these things - there is a good chance you won't agree with the final selection either, which is why it is now your turn to choose your favourites.
People's Choice: Simply heart your absolute favorites in the categories below (not the Judges' picks) and the photo with the most hearts will be announced in the next Mullet Mail.
Prizes: The winner of each category will receive a $60 book voucher and the winner of the People's Choice will receive a $50 voucher for the Dangar Island Depot.
Judges' picks
Judges' comments:
All entries feature gems across a wide spectrum of island life, responding in varied ways to the brief 'What makes the island special for you?'.
The photographs in both the under 9's and under 16's display immense creativity, offering unique and thoughtful perspectives on living on Dangar Island. It was clear the entrants had fun taking photos and experimenting.
In the adult's section, we saw island challenges and camaraderie, birdlife and quiet natural beauty, peppered with those unmistakable 'only on Dangar' moments. As a collection they really capture the story of Dangar life.
It was a great pleasure to view and enjoy all the photographs submitted.
The winning images:
Under 9's: Casper's photographs encapsulate the feeling of immersion in the natural world, where details loom large, not small. His winning image, 'Untitled' with its intriguing objects against the bark, signals a slow, gentle time, paying attention to such things - a true 'Dangar Life' moment.
Under 16's: Billie's photographs are incredibly fun and provide a lovely narrative about contemplation and observation, and perhaps even, being small in a big world. Her placement choices are so very 'Dangar Life' but the post-boxes with the river in the background in 'Hail the Mail' was the stand-out.
Adults: Bill's photograph, titled 'Concentration', captures the legendary billy-cart race. Familiar, anxious faces line the top of the frame, their attention fixed on the racer below. Through strong composition, the rider is placed in her own space, insulated from the surrounding commotion - the crowd receding out of focus as she moves forward, tongue out, singularly absorbed in the race. The scene is expertly framed in anticipation of this decisive moment.
Under 9 photographers
Under 16 photographers
Adult photographers
