Festival bounty for shutterbugs

BUDDING and professional photographers have until the close of business today to compete for a significant cash prize by sharing pictures taken of the MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival over its 25-year-history.

Organisers said amateurs and professionals were invited to share the many amazing photographs they have taken at the festival.

With the support of Specsavers, the festival will offer a total prize pool of $5000 — the winning entrant taking home $3000.

“Many dedicated photographers from around the world have captured almost every aspect of the festival and now, with the support of Specsavers, we will have the opportunity to celebrate these images,” festival director Paul Cullen said.

Finalists will be chosen by a panel of expert judges and the top works would be mounted and framed to be on display and potentially available for sale at the Brooke Street Pier in the heart of the festival precinct.

The estimated 200,000-plus people expected to attend this year’s festival — from February 8 to 11 in Hobart — will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award during the event.

The winner will take home a cash prize of $500.

The entry form can be found at the festival website — australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au.