Capture the Essence of an Orion Expedition

Guests are invited to send in your favourite photographs from a voyage that best captures the essence of an Orion Expedition. You don’t have to be a professional photographer, just have a keen eye for capturing the moment. This might be a picture from the base of King George Falls or maybe it’s a relaxed photo taken onboard the ship. Whatever you choose, if you believe it is really good then we want to see it. You may even win yourself one of our fabulous prizes.

HOW TO ENTER
Option 1. Upload your images online - Click here to enter competition.

Option 2. Burn your images on to a CD, complete an entry form and send to:

Photography Competition
Orion Expedition Cruises
Level 2, 26 Ridge Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Australia

Please be aware CDs submitted will not be returned.
Click here to download an entry form.

A maximum of 5 photographs per voyage per person will be accepted.
Please view the terms and conditions before submitting your entry.

DESTINATION CATEGORIES AND CLOSE DATES
Kimberley – CLOSED.
Papua New Guinea – CLOSED.
New Zealand – CLOSED.
Antarctica – CLOSED.
Other (Arnhem Land, Tasmania, Heritage Reef & East Timor) – CLOSED.

Individual destination Minor prizes can be viewed at the bottom of this page and in the relevant issues of pathways newsletter. The overall winner will be announced in the May pathways newsletter. 

JUDGES
David McGonigal
Award winning travel writer and internationally-exhibited photographer

His books and articles have appeared worldwide and his photographs have been exhibited on several continents. Widely regarded as an expert on the polar regions - David has been to Antarctica every year for the past decade - he has published two of the best selling polar books, now in several languages.



Sarina Bratton
Founder and Managing Director of Orion Expedition Cruises

With 25 years extensive experience in the Australian travel industry, including Vice President and General Manager Asia Pacific for Cunard Line, founder and Managing Director of Norwegian Capricorn Line and both Federal and State Government Board appointments, Sarina Bratton has long held a passion for the development of the cruise industry.


Bob Fowler.Dip Ind.Design, FAICD.
Creative Director, designer and photographer

His creative spans 40 years in the front row working with some of the worlds biggest brands. Bob specialised in studio based commercial food and fashion photography before moving into international location work. He has directed over 200 TV commercials and many of Orion’s lead cover shots are from his cameras.



Please note a shortlist will be selected by Orion Expedition Cruises Marketing Department.

WINNERS & PRIZES
Destination Winners
The 5 destination minor prizes will be awarded to each photographer selected to have taken the best photograph covering a Kimberley, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Antarctic or other Orion Cruise.

Each winner will receive a copy of:

'The Complete Story – Antarctica'
Personally signed by the author, David McGonigal

This text aims to bring to life this beautiful and inaccessible area of the globe. It deals with both the Arctic and Antarctic Polar environments, discussing the different regions, the ecology and wildlife, heroic tales and life at the Poles in the 21st century.

'Two Below Zero – A Year Alone in Antarctica'
Personally signed by Don & Margie McIntyre

Margie & Don McIntyre had sailed south from Australia in search of adventure in one of the earth's last frontiers. They would be there for a year. Winter was still months away but already the weather was ferocious. They were alone & beyond rescue.


Plus a mixed dozen of premium Central Ranges Bunnamagoo Wines.

Bunnamagoo Estate wines are the outcome of a long-standing personal interest on the part of the directors of Paspaley Pearling Company in artisinal wine-making. The intention is to apply the same sort of discrimination and patience to wine-making that brought them success with their pearls.



Minor prizes will be announced and awarded to the winners selected after the completion of each series of 2008 voyages to various regions.

Overall Winner
In addition to receiving the prizes above as a minor winner a major prize will be awarded for the photograph judged best overall from all photographs submitted.

Gourmet Dinner for four, including wine, at a delicious magazine hosted dinner in their state capital during 2009.
Plus four tickets to an evening concert featuring the Australian Chamber Orchestra
(Available in your state during 2009.)

All winners will be announced on this page and in the relevant edition of Orion's pathways newsletter.

KIMBERLEY DESTINATION WINNER
Congratulations to Duncan Baynes for his stunning photograph taken at the top of the King George Falls in the Kimberley. “A powerful energy has been captured along with a strong sense of adventure. The composition demonstrates a creative verve and an original perspective on a subject that has been photographed many times before.” ozad’s Bob Fowler said.




PAPUA NEW GUINEA DESTINATION WINNER
Congratulations to Sandy Simonian for her photograph taken in the highlands of a Huli Wigman teaching guests how to start a fire. Sandy has captured a “believable and engaging
moment, a crafted picture which shows excellent composition and a sophisticated appreciation of light”. ozad’s Bob Fowler said.



NEW ZEALAND DESTINATION WINNER
Congratulations to Rhonda Weber for her photograph 'The Adventure Awaits' taken at Milford Sounds, New Zealand. ozad’s Bob Fowler comments "A true David and goliath composition which not only demonstrates the essence of an Orion voyage, it also captures the art of visual balance, being... big and small is a balance like ying and yang whereas like proportions are a disharmony, a conflict of dominance."



ANTARCTICA DESTINATION WINNER
Congratulations to Joanna Love for her photograph 'GO AWAY!' taken at Macquarie Island. Joanna comments "I love the look of the penguins who seem to be tuning out as the seal growls at them as if to say who me?".

ozad’s Bob Fowler said "Patience is one of the mandatory attitudes for a photographer, and this composition reflects that, to unveil serene disinterest from this pair in the face of a large and cranky chappy. Use of a telephoto lens has enhanced the ability to create this story."



OTHER DESTINATION WINNER
Congratulations to Chris Matthews for his photograph taken at Orion Reef.
"A happy shot that captures a busy moment by emphasizing a cluttered composition, adding to the spontaneity of capturing a moment in life ashore." Bob said.