A Standout Year for What's Your Angle

The Boyup Brook Community Resource Centre's 2026 What’s Your Angle’ Photography Competition had a standout year, featuring a record-breaking number of entries, outstanding talent showcased at the exhibition, and two inspiring photography presentations led by acclaimed photographer and competition judge Alex Cearns OAM.
 
In its ninth year, the competition attracted 167 entries across five categories and drew 33 photographers, including eight Under 18 entrants, highlighting the strong community support for the event.  
 
The photography presentations facilitated by Alex showcased her incredible career, which has seen her take photographs all over the world, publish eight books, and receive the Medal of the Order of Australia for her dedication to animal welfare.
 
At the presentations, participants were given insight into different styles of photography to help with their own storytelling, practical photography tips, and encouragement to be ready for the moment, all through the lens of Alex’s animal photography. 
 
The competition’s exhibition opening night took place on Friday, June 12, at the CRC, where the winners were announced during an awards presentation and visitors took their first opportunity to vote in the People’s Choice Awards.
 
Alex Cearns praised both the quality of the event and the enthusiasm shown by participants and visitors.
 
"As this year's judge for the ‘What's Your Angle?’ Photography Competition, it was wonderful to see so many entrants, their family members, and their friends celebrating the exhibition opening and awards night. I loved how excitedly the images were viewed and the genuine joy expressed during the award announcements.
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“I also greatly appreciate that the Boyup Brook CRC team recognises the value of photography, investing their time and resources into creating such a memorable opportunity for the community. Well done to everyone who participated in this excellent event," said Alex.
 
The full exhibition ran from Monday to Friday, June 15-19 at the CRC, receiving lovely feedback about the quality of the images on display and the vibrancy it brought to the centre. Many votes came through for the People’s Choice Awards, with five winners announced at the conclusion of the event.
 
Boyup Brook CRC Projects Officer Sharon Lampard said the 2026 competition had exceeded expectations, with the record-breaking number of entries and the involvement of one of Australia’s most respected photographers.
 
“It has been a very special year for the Photography Competition, and we were honoured to welcome Alex Cearns OAM as this year’s judge. Her presentations were very well received, and we are already looking to forward to having her back in November for another photography workshop.
 
“The competition continues to attract strong support, and it is wonderful to see photographers of all ages and experience levels taking part and showcasing their creativity,” said Sharon.  
 
The CRC would like to thank the event’s generous sponsors for their help in bringing this competition to the community: Boyup Brook Co-op, Blackwood Plant Hire, CM Dalton Transport, Hampton Partners, Harcourts Heartland and the Boyup Brook Lions Club – sponsor of the competition’s overall first place award, the Most Outstanding Print. ​

Huge Thank You to the 2026 Sponsors!​

2026 Winners

​Most Outstanding Print
Anne Lasini - End of The Day
 
Judges Comments for winning image:
"This image stands out for all the reasons it placed first in the Rural Life category. It brings a true sense of place, and when I look at it, I can practically feel the warm, late afternoon sun on my skin. The joy it evokes, the placement of the subjects in the frame, and the execution of the shot are brilliant. The colours are magnificent in the way they go from dark on the bottom and then blend out to lighter areas, with the setting sun blaring out from the back. It is a ten out of ten and a worthy winner.​"
Class A – Landscapes
1st:         Lily Gianatti                ‘Tracks’
2nd:       Anne Lasini                 ‘Sunset Reflections’
3rd:        Alice Gifford                ‘Abbey Beach Sunrise’
People's Choice Award:          #137 'The Blue Mountain of Laos' Natacha Issler

Class B – Animals
1st:         Anne Lasini                 ‘The Story Isn't Always the Whole Horse’
2nd:       Anne Lasini                  ‘How Low Can You Go?’
3rd:        Lily Gianatti                  'THE BOYS'
People's Choice Award:          #75 'Attack!'  Fel Mead

Class C – Flora & Fungi
1st:         Anne Lasini                 ‘Unfurling’
2nd:       Natacha Issler             ‘Forest Seashells’
3rd:        Oonagh Fitzgerald     ‘Magical Morning’
People's Choice Award:          #140 'Silky Bonnets' Natacha Issler
 
Class D – Rural Life
1st:         Anne Lasini                 ‘End of the day’
2nd:       Natacha Issler             'When Does The Pub Open?'
3rd:        Tammie Barnes           'The Pet Mob'
People's Choice Award:          #159 'End of the Day', Anne Lasini

Class E – OPEN
1st:         Natacha Issler            'Pomegranate Still Life'
2nd:       Anne Lasini                 'Weathered Wall'
3rd:        Anne Lasini                 'Under the Bridge'
People's Choice Award:          #55 'Charlie', Don Railton
 
Under 18
1st:         Taylor Barnes             'Baby'
2nd:       Sophie Clark               'Protea' 
3rd:        Taylor Barnes              'Little Mushroom'

2026 Winning Images​

​People's Choice Awards