Blackjack Camera Club has applauded the collective talent of Gunnedah’s photography community.

It follows a highly successful exhibition ‘Through the Lens’ hosted by the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

Club president Wendy Carpenter said the exhibition featured a small selection of some of its favourite photographs over the years.

“It reflected the diverse interests of the photographers in the club and how we all see things so differently – and how wonderful that is,” Wendy said.

“Each photographer has a different eye for what connects them and they have the ability to then capture that moment for others to connect with it too.”

She said the community’s response to the photographic collection was fantastic.

“People have gone out of their way to call us, just to say ‘wow, I was blown away, it was amazing, I loved it’ and ‘what talent there is here in our town’.

“Some people went back two or three times just to see it again.”

Alyssa Barwick’s photograph titled ‘Slumber’ depicting daughter, Sophie, was awarded the people’s choice.

Alyssa said the black and white photograph, which was also a previous Gunnedah Show winner, was capturing a rare moment during Sophie’s younger years.

“I remember it because she never used to sleep,” Alyssa said of award-winning image.

Second prize went to Hayley Hausfeld’s starry night photograph called ‘Purple Haze’ which was admired for its contrast and technical skill.

Third place went to Kellee Clark’s striking image titled ‘Dinner Time’ which featured of a flock of birds in near perfect composition.

The exhibition attracted about 700 people through the gallery with almost 400 total votes received for submitted works.

Wendy said the broad representation of votes in photographic competition characterised the calibre of skill among club members.

“Every photo was loved and appreciated,” she said.

“Most photographs received a vote.

“It was such a diverse range of photographs – every time you turned around, there was something different.”

Wendy thanked Gunnedah Shire Council for its support and said the event has helped the club members grow as photographers.

“We couldn’t be more delighted with how the exhibition came together and are so appreciative of the support of council and their section 356 grant Arts and Cultural Grant – without which the exhibition would not have been possible,” she said.

“I feel an exhibition like this offers everyone a chance to stop and witness a moment and connect with that space of wonder within us all but which can often get pushed aside in our busy life.

“It helps us to slow down and appreciate the beauty that is around us everywhere and has helped us to grow as photographers and a club.

“To see our images framed and mounted and up on a wall in a gallery alongside other amazing photographers is something very special.”

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