Deb Costley, Thai coconut barley soup (MINIMALISM - Entries close 31 July 2026)

Under the dark autumn skies of Perth, with stars reflected across the water and the occasional satellite drifting beneath the arc of the Milky Way, four friends spent a late evening rod fishing from the shore at Secret Harbour, Western Australia. Their catch was a snapper, a species often found around the offshore reefs where the waves break. The following day, after the fish was filleted, the remaining head was transformed into a nourishing broth. Cooked in a pressure cooker with barley, vegetables, coconut milk, herbs, and spices, the dish brings together diverse culinary traditions. Barley, long associated with Nordic soups, contributes texture and substance, while the fragrant ingredients draw inspiration from Thai cooking, reflecting influences that have become part of contemporary Australian cuisine. The photograph focuses on the fish head as the final remnant of the catch, suspended within the broth it helped create. It traces a journey from the night sea to the family table, exploring themes of sustainability, shared experience, cultural exchange, and respect for the natural resources that sustain us. The image celebrates not only a meal, but also the friendship, landscape, and quiet beauty of a Western Australian evening beneath the stars. Method Photographed using an iPhone under available natural light. The close composition emphasises texture, colour, and form, while the intimate framing invites reflection on the connection between the catch, the cooking process, and the story behind the meal.

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