Judges
This year's competition boasts high profile judges including media identity and Patron of the Macular Disease Foundation Australia Ita Buttrose AO OBE. Ita is joined by internationally recognised photographer Rex Dupain.
Thank you to our judges for contributing their time and expertise to the mEYE World Photographic Competition 2017.
Ita Buttrose AO OBE
Patron of Macular Disease Foundation Australia and competition head judge
“My father had macular degeneration which means I am at an increased risk of developing the disease. I encourage all Australians to enter the mEYE World Photographic Competition and help spread the word about saving sight.”
Ita Buttrose is one of Australia's most admired businesswomen and an accomplished communicator advising corporate as well as community and welfare organisations. She has a wealth of experience across a broad range of industry sectors and combines many roles as social commentator, businesswoman, journalist and author.
Ita was named Australian of the Year 2013 and holds the appointment of Officer of the Order of Australia for her services to the community, particularly in the area of public health education. Ita is National Ambassador of Alzheimer’s Australia and Emeritus Director of Arthritis Australia.
As Patron of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, Ita works tirelessly to promote the cause of macular degeneration across Australia.
To enter the competition, simply register here: www.mdfoundation.com.au/2017meyephotocomp
Rex Dupain
“Photography is the 'art of seeing' and if the photographer can show us what we already know, in a way that we see it for the first time, then you'll get everybody's attention."
Born in Sydney in 1954, Rex Dupain was introduced to photography at a young age by his father Max Dupain. However, Rex put his photographic pursuits on hold to study painting in the 1970s at The National Art School, where he later taught painting and drawing. He went on to complete a Master of Fine Arts (Painting) at the University of NSW in 1992, and pursued a successful career as a painter. It wasn’t until the mid 1990s that Rex rediscovered his love and talent for photography.
His work has since been exhibited widely around Australia and the rest of the world, including an exhibition in Paris in 2010. His work has been collected by major galleries including the Australian Museum and the National Portrait Gallery as well as privately by people including Sir Elton John, Edmund Capon and Baz Luhrmann. Rex has also had six books published including “Australian Images”, “The Colour of Bondi” and “Inside Sydney”.
To enter the competition, simply register here: www.mdfoundation.com.au/2017meyephotocomp
Alan Pryke
“A winning entry to my eye, is one which presents the subject in a frank and honest way, as well as showing a knowlede of the use of light, whether by technical knowledge or artistic ability. Originality or at least a new way of seeing the subject will be on my mind."
Alan is one of Australia’s longest serving news photographers having worked at The Australian for over 30 years.
Beginning his career as a copy boy in the editorial library, Alan received a cadetship in photography in 1982 and subsequently held roles at Daily Mirror, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph and The Australian from 1984 until 2012. Throughout his career, Alan covered many major events including Royal visits, Olympic Games, elections and visits by world leaders. He has won several photographic awards for his work and is recognised for his outstanding visual storytelling. He now lives with dry macular degeneration in both eyes.
Matthew Duchesne and Anni Payne
Milk & Honey Photography, shortlist judges for 2017
Matthew and Anni have an impressive background in photography that spans 21 years, much of this has been capturing the life, loves and milestones of those in their community.
This year, they are using their creative talents to help raise awareness of macular disease and serve as our shortlist judges. They are looking forward to seeing how people interpret the theme for this year: See my world - in your own backyard.
To enter the competition, simply register here: www.mdfoundation.com.au/2017meyephotocomp