Ben Goode’s eerie photo of burned pine forest wins Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2018
BEN Goode’s photograph of a burned pine forest near Gumeracha after the 2015 Sampson Flat bushfires has won People’s Choice at the SA Museum’s Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2018 competition.
FOG with its “still, eerie sense of calm” is a friend to award-winning South Australian nature photographer Ben Goode.
His photograph of a burned pine forest near Gumeracha, after the 2015 Sampson Flat bushfires, has won “People’s Choice” at the SA Museum’s Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2018 competition.
“Heavy mist was moving between tall, barren pine trees and contrasting beautifully with the charred orange needles,” said Mr Goode, 41.
“The air was so still with not a sound to be heard. No birds, no cars. nothing.”
The image, called Broken Dreams, was also runner-up in the Landscapes category, while another of his images, “Left Behind” won the Our Impact category.
SA Museum director Brian Oldman said Goode’s image had a certain sense of mystery that captivated viewers.
“Broken Dreams not only had a powerful impact on exhibition visitors – it also made a lasting impression on the judges of the competition,” he said.
“The eeriness and stillness conveyed in this haunting landscape opposes the turmoil of the firestorm that occurred here.
“Beautiful details have been captured in the tree trunks – the fire has gone but its effect is palpable.”
The People’s Choice award is voted by visitors to the annual Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition.
The winner of the vote receives $500 in prize money.
Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year is at the SA Museum until Sunday November 18. Entry costs $10 adults, $7 concession, $5 child, children under 5 are FREE.
