Arguably the most popular subject for pictures, sunsets are inherently photogenic. But their beauty seems to dazzle many photographers into forgetting about the rest of the frame.
 [Right: Winner Mardi Harrison writes: ‘My submission is a photo I took while in Broome last year. It was taken with a Canon 300D, ISO 100, TV 1/1000, 5.6AV. I waited patiently until the pearl Lugger passed the setting sun and used a filter to get the effect I needed.’ See larger pic below.] Arguably the most popular subject for pictures, sunsets are inherently photogenic. But their beauty seems to dazzle many photographers into forgetting about the rest of the frame. All too often composition gives way to a vain attempt to capture the maximum sweep of the sky. Shadow areas are a challenge too, since the contrast range between sunlit sky and landscape often exceeds the capability of film or sensor to capture it. But our Photo Challengers managed to avoid the traps and to come up with some lovely photos. Mardi Harrison’s winning image shows the value of patience to a photographer. By waiting for exactly the moment her subject crossed the sunlit water, she has achieved a balanced and quite striking result. Mardi wins a copy of Paint Shop Pro 9, a superb set of digital editing tools that offers some unusual and useful functions not found in other image editing applications. Our runners-up (see below) have both created well structured and compelling images. We liked the serendipitous way the clouds in David Peck’s photograph echo the dark headland, while the foreground provides the balance of a mirror-perfect reflection. Second runner-up Ian McManus has ably captured the still and quiet quality of the gathering evening over Clontarf (our offices are just out of shot on the right!). Honourable mentions this time around go to veteran Photo Challenger Leigh Beer for a nicely realised image of a couple fishing under an evening sky. Drue McLaughlin’s combination of an action scene and a pretty sunset earned him a nod of appreciation from the judges. We also found Steve Bennett’s picture of a sailing ship under a glowing sky a pleasantly restful composition. Thank you to our winners and to the many photographers who entered the competition.  First Runner-up David Peck writes: ‘The Bethells Beach photo is my favourite and was taken with my first digital camera, a Canon A5.’  Second Runner-up Ian McManus writes: ‘Having lived in Noosa for 10 years and then in Clontarf overlooking the Spit, there have been dozens of breath-taking sunsets.’  Honourable Mention: Drue McLaughlin caught this skimboarder against a sunset with his Sony DSCR1.  Honourable Mention: Our friend Leigh Beer is back with another nice image called “Firewater”.  Honourable Mention: Steve Bennett captured this nice study with his Canon EOS 10D. 
Winner: Mardi Harrison
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