If you were predisposed toward talking in hackneyed aphorisms, you might say that photography is the first truly universal language – and you would be right. On the same note, you would also be right if you were to say that, despite that being a beautiful thing, some people are often better suited to silence.
The latter certainly wasn’t the case at Dominik Mersch Gallery in Sydney last night, when we celebrated very audibly – along with 500+ of our closest friends – what are unequivocally the greatest moments captured on film in the last twelve months. End of discussion.
From over 6,500 entries distilled down to 400 finalists, seven winners were selected as tributes for their respective categories – music, fashion, social, mobile, travel, sport and art – with an ultimate victor emerging in 22-year-old Mornington Peninsula photographer Caitlin Miers, whose submission in the sports category was deemed to be supremely blessed above all others. You can see why above and below.
Said guest judge and noted fashion photographer Jez Smith of Miers’ winning photograph:
Its sense of light, movement, energy and drama meant that I went back over and over to look at it, and look ‘into’ it, and it’s an incredible example of the reportage style ‘captured moment.’
Caitlin’s photograph is technically accomplished, composed beautifully and absolutely communicates a sense of life, energy, and joy. For that reason, it had to be my winner.
Shout out to our mates at Canon as presenting partners and Surfstitch, Summersite and NRMA Insurance as supporting partners we’d be happy to take home to our parents.
A debt of gratitude and/or our first borns to Naked Wines, Cerveza Pacífico Clara, Kirin Cider and Cubaney Rum for providing ample social lubricant and the liquid courage to recreate the ‘7/11’ video in front of the people we sit opposite everyday.
You can and should check out the winning photos across seven categories here.
Photo by Caitlin Miers
