Blake Coomber wins cover photo competition for Sunshine Coast Daily

A Sunshine Coast photographer specialising in capturing show horses has won our cover photo competition with a shot of one his favourite “hidden gems”.

Blake Coomber and an Arab mare named GG. Photo: contributed

A Sunshine Coast photographer with a longtime passion for equine has celebrated after his picture was voted to become this publication’s next cover photo.

Blake Coomber of Balakay Photoz Equine Photography submitted his shot of Kiamba for the Sunshine Coast Daily’s Facebook cover photo competition, and came out on top with 28 per cent of votes.

Mr Coomber said the win “feels incredible,” given Kiamba is one of his favourite “hidden gems” on the Sunshine Coast.

The winning photo of Kiamba, taken by Blake Coomber. Photo: Balakay Photoz Equine Photography

“It’s always been a peaceful place to be when you need some time for self-care,” he said.

Mr Coomber noted he was not sure what to expect from the competition, being up against many other “incredible photos” showing the region’s amazing beaches.

“I really wasn’t sure how the photo I took at Kiamba would compete because I don’t think people really think of the hinterland when they think of the Sunshine Coast but I also know I have a lot of support from my family, friends and the horse community that really support me doing this,” he said.

Born and raised in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Mr Coomber first started showing horses in 2009 when he was 14 at Nambour State High School.

A photo taken by Mr Coomber of an LH gelding named Wynston after winning the SNR LH in nationals last year, owned by Carmel Thomas. Photo: Balakay Photoz Equine Photography

Another photo of Wynston taken by Mr Coomber. Photo: Balakay Photoz Equine Photography

Mr Coomber noticed a decline in photographers specialising in halter showing through the years, particularly those with understanding on how to show certain breeds for the best photos.

Noticing this gap in the market, he decided to use his own experience as a handler and in training show horses to fill the space.

He bought his first camera in 2021 and launched his business in January last year after gaining confidence in equine photography.

A photo taken by Mr Coomber of an SH stallion named, owned by Kerrily Worden. Photo: Balakay Photoz Equine Photography

Mr Coomber particularly focuses on smaller equine breeds such as miniature horses and American Shetlands as well as Arabian horses, which are his favourite breeds.

When opportunities roll around, he also likes to work on his landscape photography, as he plans to expand his portfolio.

A landscape photo taken of Coolum by Balakay Photoz Equine Photography

Mr Coomber also took a picture of his sister Natasha Hammond for her formal last year. Photo: Balakay Photoz Equine Photography

“Landscapes are definitely a goal because I want to start capturing our beautiful country more and showing off what the Sunshine Coast has to offer in the future,” he said.

Capturing memories for others is something close to Mr Coomber’s heart as he goes about his work.

“These people put everything into these events and their horses so when I capture these moments for people, especially when they have had a successful day or weekend, it’s always extremely warming to be able to help them capture those moments,” he said.

Originally published as Blake Coomber wins cover photo competition for Sunshine Coast Daily