You can also look at a photo for a second and never forget it.
It is the latter quality which has won Dunedin photographers Kate Moore and Craig McKenzie the People’s Choice Awards in the 2024 Tūhura Otago Museum Photography Competition.
Their photos were among nearly 5500 entered in the competition, and the winners were exhibited alongside the winning photos from the past 25 years of the competition.
The "25 Years Captured Exhibition" at the museum has now officially closed to the public after attracting about 16,000 visitors, who voted for their favourite images.
Tūhura Otago Museum exhibition designer Shanaya Cunningham said the 2024 People’s Choice Award went to Ms Moore for her striking landscape image, titled For Sarah: Tokaanu Historic Wharf, which was photographed from the shores of Lake Taupo.
It attracted nearly 800 votes, she said.
"Although Kate’s image was not a finalist in this year’s competition, it resonated strongly with visitors, making her the clear winner."
With 263 votes in the 25 years people’s choice category, the winner was Mr McKenzie for his image of New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, the orange-fronted parakeet, taken in the Hawdon Valley, Arthur’s Pass.
It previously won the 2018 animal (age 15 and over) category and earned him the title of 2018 Photographer of the Year.
"Being selected by fickle judges is one thing — I think I can say that, having judged a lot myself.
"The accumulated wisdom of very many members of public means more.
"It is certainly up there in the top few awards I have won."
Known for his expertise in wildlife photography, Mr McKenzie has been a stand-out contributor to the competition for years.
With almost 40 years’ experience, he has received numerous awards for his photography, including the prestigious Old Blue Award from Forest & Bird, and his work has featured in several books and magazines across New Zealand.
Museum marketing manager Charlie Buchan said a total of 2632 votes were posted in the people’s choice awards, and the feedback on this year’s exhibition had been overwhelmingly positive.
"Visitors couldn’t get over the quality of the images and the exhibition display.
"This competition has become a major highlight on Otago’s amateur photography calendar.
"It’s fantastic to see both old and young enthusiasts share their talent."
