community - 2026-08-27

Public voting opens for 2026 Northern Beaches underwater photography finalists

Source: www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Northern Beaches residents can now vote for their favourite image in the 2026 Underwater Photography Competition, after a record field was narrowed to finalists across six photography categories. Every photograph was taken in one of the area's five aquatic reserves, giving voters a close look at the marine life and underwater landscapes found locally.

Northern Beaches residents can now vote for their favourite image in the 2026 Underwater Photography Competition, after a record field was narrowed to finalists across six photography categories. Every photograph was taken in one of the area's five aquatic reserves, giving voters a close look at the marine life and underwater landscapes found locally. Now in its sixth year, the competition covers animal behaviour, close-up photography, threatened species, human interaction with marine environments and wide-angle seascapes. A separate youth category is open to photographers aged 12 to 17, while short-form video entries are being considered in the Reels categories. The Behaviour finalists are Alastair Pollock, Darian Woods, Joanna Chen, Maria Garcia, Peter Hutchins, Peter McGee and Talia Greis. Their entries focus on marine animals displaying natural behaviour. The Macro category, which rewards close-up views and fine underwater detail, includes Frances Whitfield, Darian Woods, Edward Midgley, Gerrad Kennedy, Lesley Spencer, Michal Biniek and William Gladstone. Five photographers have been shortlisted in the Threatened Species category: Alizee Berger, Darian Woods, Sasha...