AP's free monthly photo comp August '26 'Weather' - The winners!

22 September 2026

Congratulations to Melissa Lichocik, whose image Ghost Trees has won AP's free monthly photo competition for August 2026.

Melissa Lichocik, Ghost trees — Melissa Lichocik, *Ghost trees*

There were many excellent images entered this month, but we found ourselves drawn back again and again to this powerful and beautifully edited landscape that had a real sense of mood and atmosphere, despite the subject matter being relatively familiar. It's a great example of how the right weather and a careful edit can give a great result.

Melissa wins a NiSi 15mm Sunstar lens valued at $699 for taking out the Judge's choice, thanks to our great sponsors NiSi Australia.

We also selected three other images as special mentions: Bala Krishnan for The Berra morning, Rohan Wilson for Electric Tendrils and Harrison Taylor for Controlling the Skies.

Bala Krishnan, The Berra Morning — Bala Krishnan, *The Berra Morning*

Rohan Wilson, Electric Tendrils — Rohan Wilson, *Electric Tendrils*

Harrison Taylor, Controlling the skies — Harrison Taylor, *Controlling the skies*

Over on Facebook, our People’s Choice winner was Andrew Dunshee, whose image Kingfisher in winter received 107 votes at competition close. He takes home a 12-month print subscription to AP for taking out the People's choice.

Andrew Dunshee, Kingfisher in winter — Andrew Dunshee, *Kingfisher in winter*

Congratulations to all the photographers who entered, and thanks to everyone who took the time to vote.

The September theme is now open for entries. The theme is 'Wheels' and you can enter here.