James McTaggart, Bought Out (SINGLE SHOT 2022)

My photograph "Bought Out" is a night-based image of abandoned property in the Upper Hunter, which is well known for its ever-expanding coal mines. For mines to expand, it's a common occurrence for mining companies to 'buy out' local residents to use their land for mining purposes. As a result, the local area is scattered with abandoned houses and properties that once were home to many families. My photograph aims to showcase the damage that ungovernable mining can cause, not only to the environment but also to local residents' livelihoods, being forced to give up land their families have owned for generations, due to them being offered unignorable financial incentives.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.