That’s a moray! Fish snap shores up photo prize
Published on 05 February 2025
Meggie Watson has taken depth of field to a whole new level with an unrivalled underwater shot of a stout moray to claim a top prize in Lake Macquarie City Council’s Explore Our Great Outdoors photography competition.
Ms Watson took out the adult ‘Things that Grow and Move’ category with the evocative aquatic image, capturing the terrifying yet mesmerising moray in its natural habitat.
The image received high praise from competition judge and renowned nature photographer David Diehm, who credited it as a “brilliant capture – with great lighting and composition”.
Back on shore Max Moore scored the win in the adult ‘Great Outdoors’ category with a stunning silhouetted sunset vista of a family picnic by the lake.
As a newer Lake Macquarie resident, Mr Moore said the photograph reflected his passion for exploring his recently adopted region.
“From the heritage-rich areas around West Wallsend to the serene shores of Lake Macquarie, adorned with inquisitive pelicans and graceful black swans, the area offers a wealth of natural beauty,” he said.
“The joy of watching the sunset’s reflection on the lake’s surface or mingling with the lively crowd of locals walking along the promenade with their children and pets, is always a blessing.
“It’s a wonderful reminder that we’re part of a nature-loving community.”
A flurry of feathers flew to the top of the leaderboard in the kids’ ‘Things that Grow and Move’ category, with Jonathon Scott’s ‘Wings and Water’ – an artful depiction of pelicans and black swans.
Xanthia Wadwell’s florally framed portrait of Redhead Beach, including its iconic lifeguard tower, was judged the victor in the kids’ ‘Great Outdoors’ category.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz, who presented the winners with their prizes, said this year’s Explore Our Great Outdoors program was well received by local families, with great attendance across a range of activities and a second successful photo competition.
“This program encourages people to get outdoors, explore nature and learn more about the diverse and stunning environment we’re privileged to have at our doorstep,” he said.
“It was thoroughly enjoyable to see Lake Macquarie through the lens of so many creative and enthusiastic locals with a host of outstanding entrants in this year’s photography competition.”
To view a gallery of the winning entries and runners up, visit lakemac.com.au/eogo