This was a wonderful surprise and I want to share with you here the judges’ beautiful comments for which I am greatly appreciative.
“This ca
pture is a photograph that captures something much more valuable than a perfectly composed image: it captures a genuine moment of human connection, joy and youthful freedom. Even though the central figure has his back to the camera, the suggestion of a smile is unmistakable. The three young men appear completely absorbed in their shared moment, laughing and fooling around in the water, creating a sense of spontaneity that feels both authentic and timeless.
“The photograph brings together all the elements the judges look for in a memorable image. Beautifully handled soft light falls across the central figure’s torso, emphasising the contours of his physique and giving the photograph a natural connection to its title. The wide-angle perspective from the water places the viewer directly into the scene, while the central composition and generous negative space create a remarkably pleasing balance.
“There is also a wonderful quality of nostalgia to the image. The soft tonality and gentle light give it the feel of an old black-and-white photograph, while the interaction between the three friends evokes the carefree experience of young men simply enjoying each other’s company. The judges saw echoes of an iconic Australian photograph – outdoors, healthy, playful and completely in the moment.
“Ultimately, Flex succeeds because it is more than a photograph of three young men in the water. It is a photograph about friendship, youth and the joy of being alive. It captures a fleeting moment that could never quite be recreated, and in doing so demonstrates the magic of photography: turning an ordinary instant into something that feels enduring and iconic.”
