‘Shocked’ at winning competition

A Mackenzie College student has won a top spot in a regional photography competition.

Twelve-year-old Will Cassie took first place in the 11 to 17-year-old category in the Canterbury Museum’s Amazing Animals photo competition.

His winning photograph was taken in late October last year of his pet sheep in a snowy paddock.

"When I found out I had won I was shocked."

He said with the number of entries in the competition, he was not expecting it.

Father Nick Cassie said he was extremely proud of his son’s achievement.

Mr Cassie said Will had always been creative.

When he was 6 years old, Will had convinced him to convert their outside seating area into an art room because, "I need somewhere to do my art, Dad!"

Despite more than 150 entries from photographers from across the region, he had also scored highly commended for two other photographs he had entered in the competition; one of a dog running through a paddock, and the other of lambs relaxing in the sunshine.

The photos had been captured on a Canon 700d EOS camera.

He had previously taken photos at the Mackenzie College young performers event, Tekapo Ten mountain bike race, the South Canterbury netball finals, South Canterbury schools hockey final, and the Aoraki netball tournament.

"And I am going over to take photos at the Coast to Coast for Mackenzie College’s team."

The winning photographs from each category — along with some highly commended entries — are on display at the Canterbury Museum Pop-Up which will operate until February 1.