Whanganui Salon 2023

By John Smart APSNZ

The third running of the Whanganui Salon in its new form saw good growth, with 469 entries from 76 photographers across New Zealand.

The unique theme of the Salon, Humanity and Earth, sets this biennial event apart from other New Zealand salons and competitions. With three categories Aotearoa New Zealand Heritage, Living in a Changing World and Humanity and the Natural World –entrants’ images reflected very personal and diverse views of humankind’s interaction with our planet.

New Plymouth photographer Margaret Irving APSNZ won the supreme award, the Vonnie Cave Gold Medal, with her image Irishman Creek Roadman's Hut, which also won the Aotearoa New Zealand Heritage category. She was guest of honour at the Club’s special celebration and announcement of the results. Helen McLeod FPSNZ GPSA ARPS won the

Living in a Changing World category with her image Abandoned for the Sake of Progress, and John Helsdon won the Humanity and the Natural World category with his image Before Becoming a Handbag.

Abandoned for the Sake of Progress

The judges, Simon Woolf, Gail Stent FPSNZ and David Oliver, did a great job in selecting photographically strong images that resonated with the salon themes, often conveying a powerful message. The competition was very keenly contested, with only 25 per cent of the images awarded Acceptance or better.

All the images and the full list of awardees for each category can be found at https://www. whanganuicameraclub.org.nz/whanganuisalon-2023.html.

The Salon is well supported by sponsors Progear Photographic, Print Art, Wellington Photographic Supplies and Whanganui Photo and Print.