Macular Disease Foundation Australia's annual mEYE World Photographic Competition gives a unique insight into the world of the photographer and reminds us all to value our vision and the importance of having an eye test and macula check.
In 2015, the theme for the fifth mEYE World Competition was "See My World".
The mEYE World Photographic Competition was judged by a high profile panel including Ita Buttrose, internationally recognised photographer Rex Dupain, and one of Australia’s longest serving news photographers, Alan Pryke.
Macular Disease Foundation Australia Patron, Ita Buttrose announced the grand finalist and category winners of the mEYE World Photographic Competition 2015, selected from over 2,400 photographs entered by 1,400 photographers to celebrate the theme - See My World.
"This competition reminds us to value our vision. The photos entered were magical and showed the personal and creative interpretations of the entrant’s world."
Ita Buttrose, Foundation Patron and Head Judge
Category winners were:
- Healthcare Professional – Kerry Boytell
- Macular Disease Community – Di Lymbury
- Open (General Public) – Rebecca Burton
- Junior (Under 18) – Caitlin Dixon
The 2015 winners were:
Open Category Winner & Grand Finalist, Rebecca Burton
"Golden morning light streaming into the kitchen and a box of shredded paper. My child was captivated by the dust motes dancing in the air; I got to peek into her magical world. We both saw magic that day. Celebrate the little details you see every day. It's all so precious."
Healthcare Professional Category Winner, Kerry Boytell
"All things bright and beautiful, all things large and small. The hummingbird is one of the smallest but most brightly coloured birds, and seeing it feeding is a sight to behold. It is attracted to red flowers and its wings beat incredibly fast."
Macular Disease Community Category Winner, Di Lymbury
"Nature is so spectacular and very important. It gives an almighty lift to see something rare and beautiful. One cannot underestimate the benefits of the pleasures this brings. This amazing image is of the brilliantly coloured Rainbow Bee-eaters frolicking in the rain. I hope it brings as much joy to others as I had capturing it!"
Junior Category Winner, Caitlin Dixon
"When you ‘See My World' you see a youthful type of person who always likes to enjoy any opportunity. With an image that is in an inside environment and a young child as the focus, it encourages the message of how you spend your years of growing up in a house which in theory doesn't grow like you do."
The 2015 runners up:
Open Category 1st Runner Up, Elizabeth Howell
“Since retiring I need to maintain my eye health to be able to capture the detail required for nature shots. I have been grateful for the information and research from Macular Disease Foundation Australia which will allow me to continue my photography passion.”
Healthcare Professional Category 1st Runner Up, Eddie Lim
“This photograph captures the emotional reunion between a grandmother and a sailor from HMAS Tobruk after a six months deployment. Without vision, words alone would not be able to describe the homecoming.”
Macular Disease Community Category 1st Runner Up, Maree Clout
“It's the little things in nature that truly amaze me. I like to stand still and really look at the scene in front of me. That's how I found this little water spider. Macular disease affects three members of my family. I am now more aware than ever, of the importance of good eye health.”
Junior Category 1st Runner Up, Harmony Foxford
“I see my life a bit like a roundabout. I've got no idea what I want to do when I grow up. I'm sure there will be many different turns I could take, and I may even have to go around in circles for a while.”
Open Category 2nd Runner Up, Chris Daly
“My friend Cecil at 92 years old is still a purveyor of joy and believes that "A smile is a light in the widow of the soul indicating that the heart is at home." May all, through research and care, see this joy in their lives.”
Healthcare Professional Category 2nd Runner Up, Kerry Boytell
“Being able to see beautiful light and stunning colours is an integral part of good vision. When I saw this old woman with her bike and bundle of goods crossing an old bridge in Myanmar at sunset, I realised how lucky I was to be able to witness such a stunning scene.”
Macular Disease Community Category 2nd Runner Up, Sarah Round
“There is nothing quite like that special old friend; one who tells you stories of the 'good old days', someone with a different perspective, experience and wisdom. These are the hands of my dear friend Bob. A dear friend of my late Grandpa and more recently, myself. He helps me ‘see my world’ differently and more simply.”
Junior Category 2nd Runner Up, Tara Matthiessen
“I think my photo captures the theme because clown fish are beautiful creatures swimming in the beautiful underwater world, with colourful sea anemone. I love the water and this is the best way to see my world.”