Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West is delighted to announce the winners of its inaugural photography competition, which attracted over 500 entries from talented amateur and professional photographers, based in South Africa and overseas.
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After much deliberation, the panel of judges, in association with competition partner and sponsor Orms photographic store, announced the winners.
The finalists’ images were unveiled in the glorious surroundings of the estate’s East Garden, on the evening of Tuesday 4 April.
In the Camera class, Mike Hodgson took first place with his stunning shot of a blue crane bird sculpture in the East Garden.
Navashni Knowlden won first place in the Smartphone class with a captivating photo of a sunflower field against a mountain backdrop.
In the Junior class, Morgan Eaton’s photograph of Vergelegen’s historic Octagonal Garden took first place.
The winner of the People’s Choice award, based on guests’ votes at the celebratory event, was Thomas Moss, depicting Vergelegen visitors with wine.
‘We are blown away by the incredible talent and creativity demonstrated by all the photographers who participated,’ said Vergelegen MD Wayne Coetzer.
‘The subjects varied widely, from the historic homestead and fields of sunflowers to wine and ancient trees – but all entries proved to me that the local community is falling in love with this property,’ Coetzer added.
‘I would like to thank everyone who supported the estate by submitting their photographs, they have truly captured the beauty and unique aspects of this wonderful estate.’
‘We are also extremely grateful to the staff at Orms, who guided us with enthusiasm and professionalism throughout the judging and printing process.’
Prizes included two Canon PowerShot Zoom cameras worth R4495 each, sponsored by Orms, plus Vergelegen tour experiences, restaurant vouchers and wine.
‘This is the first prize I’ve won in my life,’ said Hodgson, whose late father was the general manager of the neighbouring farm, Lourensford, for 30 years.
Hodgson said he had visited Vergelegen frequently as a schoolboy and chose to photograph the blue crane sculpture as he greatly admires this artwork, birds are a favourite photography subject of his, and the water feature surrounding the sculpture adds depth to the image.
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Picture: Supplied