2025 : 06 Alex Mao Youth Photo Award

Daniel Clay;A Reflection of The Past;This photo was taken onboard the 75 bus from Glen Innes to Wynyard Quarter. I personally loved the contrast between the array of natural features and Rangitoto in looming in the background and the way humans have built upon this land which was once solely occupied by nature. It reflects issues which humans have created with urbanization and how as populations increase more and more natural land will be built upon and lose its natural values. It makes me reflect on what this land looked like before us humans occupied it.
Daniel Clay;Quiet Action;With this photo I liked the way the term
Daniel Clay;All For Nothing?;This photo provokes us to think about the ways in which we dispose of items. This photo exposes humans to their wrongdoings, in this case a lone face mask which has been littered on the ground. I also really like the contrast and the story the mask tells, as years ago during covid, masks were so prominent within society and now (as this photo shows) they possess little significance in our lives and society. It is just another piece of garbage littered along our streets. We spent years stressing about wearing masks when the reality is that in the coming years, masks would later become just new elements of litter on our streets. So, did we stress and wear them all for nothing?
Daniel Clay;Submissive By Choice?;This photo depicts how the migration of humans into Aotearoa has resulted in the loss of a vast expanse of natural land in order to make way for housing. What once was an untouched environment has now faced the consequences of being invaded by the humans and their societal elements. The housing in this photo in Wellington truly appears as an invasive species and an eyesore which doesn't fit in with the aesthetics of Aotearoa's natural environment. It shows the negative effects which come with urbanization
Daniel Clay;To Be Heard ;This photo provokes to think about issues that reside within our human society today such as the conflict between Palestine and Israel. I have managed to capture raw emotion from the protesters without being intrusive consequently resulting in a powerful image. Despite the protesters being situated thousands of kilometers away they are still showing their support. I used a reflective area of a building in the Auckland CBD to create a reflection which results a much more unique and interesting frame.
shafeek allie;pigeon;male pigeon trying to impress a female with a bright display
Zion;Tatau
Andrei Cruz;Spotlight Moonlight;This photo is inspired by XXXTentacion from his song called
shafeek allie;blue heron dance;the mating ritual of the blue heron
Andrei Cruz;SOS;This photo was inspired by SZA's album cover
Breyne partridge;Very rare genuine 1 of 6 Shelby Daytona Coupes;This was taken at the Shelby American museum in Las Vegas
Breyne partridge;1 of only 998 genuine Shelby Cobra's;This photo was taken at the Shelby America museum in Las Vegas

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