Kacy Cosgrove, who recently turned 15, has gained the Otago Wildlife Photography Exhibition's inaugural people's choice award with a close-up image of her 8-month-old kitten, Merlin.
"I was quite shocked. I think it's pretty good," Kacy said yesterday after gaining the most votes from visitors to the photographic show, at the Otago Museum.
A year 11 pupil at Kavanagh College, Dunedin, Kacy is already an experienced photographer, having had her own camera since she was about 4. Both her parents, John and Kathleen Cosgrove, have a background in professional photography.
Cats can be tricky subjects for a photographer, but after finding Merlin, then aged 4 months, in an obliging mood, Kacy had quickly taken the winning photograph.
She visited the museum yesterday to collect her prize, an enlarged canvas print of her photograph.
Museum marketing and development co-ordinator Juliet Pierce said visitors to the show had been encouraged to pick their own favourite photo, using a touchscreen.
This interactive element has proven a "popular addition to what is always a favourite show", and was likely to be continued next year.
Craig McKenzie's "Reef heron" and Connie McDonald's "Genetically modified" were also among the top place-getters in the people's choice voting.
The exhibition, now in its 13th year, will remain on display until July 15.
