Chris Prior has won Australian Photography + digital magazine's September 'Sport' photo competition with a high-energy shot of surfer Josh Moore in action at Catherine Hill Bay, NSW.
"I had my camera and lens mounted on a tripod as close as I could get to the water's edge and I shot off three frames as the surfer performed his manoeuvre," said Prior. "This was the middle shot of three. Based on previous experience I chose f/11 to get good sharpness in both the surfer and the wave."
Australian Photography + digital editor Robert Keeley praised the image for its timing and technical precision: "Shooting any type of sporting action is tough, but surfing is one of the toughest sports to cover," said Keeley. "You need great anticipation, fast reactions and (if you're on the beach) a long telephoto which you can keep steady, yet still pan effectively…We thought [Prior's shot] was a top shot, with good technique. It captures a peak moment plus a great reaction from the surfer. In other words, it's got everything you want from a great sporting pic."
Chris Prior has won an Epson Stylus Photo R2000 valued at $1099 courtesy of Epson Australia. Two other photographers were highly commended in the monthly competition: AA Los Banos and Shane Smedley.
The monthly Your Best Shot photo competition is open to subscribers of Australian Photography + digital magazine and members of the Australian Photographic Society (APS). To see the judge's comments and a selection of the best images from the competition check the September issue of Australian Photography + digital, available in newsstands, via subscription and on iPad.
Winner: 'Ten,' by Chris Prior. Canon EOS 20D with EF400mm f/5.6L USM lens, 1/800s @ f/11, ISO 400, tripod, UV filter.
Highly commended: 'Will and Matt,' by Shane Smedley. Nikon D700 with AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G, processed in Lightroom 4.
Highly commended: Photo by AA Los Banos. Sony A200 with Minolta 80-200mm f/2.8 lens, 1/125s @ f/18, ISO 100. Adjusted levels, contrast, cropping and sharpening.
Chris Prior's winning entry in the Your Best Shot 'Sport' photo competition.
