Far North talent showcased at international photo competition

Cairns photographers showcase their talent at the 2023 Rainforest Rescue Canopy Awards.

Matt Cornish won the People’s Choice Award with this close-up shot of the native northern leaf-tail gecko.

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Two Cairns photographers have been honoured at the 2023 Rainforest Rescue Canopy Awards for their incredible pictures of the Far North.

Clay Hawker stunned the judges with his image of Din Din Falls to capture the top prize in the wet tropics category and wildlife educator Matt Cornish won the people’s choice award for his close-up shot of the native northern leaf-tail gecko.

Clay Hawker’s award-winning image of the Din Din Falls.

Mr Hawker said his “love of nature” was the reason he decided to pursue photography and move to the Far North.

Mr Cornish was honoured by the win and championed photography as a great learning tool for environmental education.

“Photography plays such an important role in environmental education as it showcases our natural world in such a striking manner that captivates any audience,” Mr Cornish said.

Three more Far North Queenslanders, Tracey Jones, Andrea Crimmins and John Benfer, were acknowledged as finalists in several award categories for their contributions.

Rainforest Rescue representative Mark Cox said he hoped the beautiful images showcased at the awards will attract more people to the conservation effort.

“If an amazing image from the rainforest makes people stop and look, then we’re part way towards them becoming more aware of our natural environment and how special it is,” Mr Cox said.

A select few of the short-listed images will also be featured on a range of commercially compostable coffee cups.

Originally published as Far North talent showcased at international photo competition