This capture by Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health Judy Ormandy took out first place in the 2025 competition. Check out the other 2025 winners.
Cameras at the ready – the Bulletin Photo Competition is here.
This annual competition highlights the genius behind the lens, showcasing photography by Otago’s talented tauira and kaimahi. Entries open today – Wednesday, 22 July.
This year’s theme echoes the University’s annual writing competition prompt – “Small things: overlooked details and ordinary moments”. The theme invites photographers to explore how larger meanings can emerge and reverberate from minor details.
Staff and students are invited to submit a photo that aligns with the theme, to be judged by a panel of experts.
Sharron Bennett
The judges this year are professional photographers Sharron Bennett and Frank Pawluk.
Sharron, who began her career in press photography for the Waikato Times and The New Zealand Herald, has spent four decades behind the camera capturing authentic moments. She also worked as a photographer at Cornell University and with an international sports picture agency in London. Now based in Dunedin, she is a self-employed photographer, creating genuine images that tell stories and connect with people.
Sharron says this year’s theme encourages photographers to find significance in everyday life by noticing the details, moments, and subjects that often go unseen.
“It might be interpreted through the intricate patterns of nature, a fleeting human interaction, a well-used object rich with history, or a quiet moment that reveals something deeper.
“Often, the most memorable photographs are those that transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.”
Her top tip for a good shot – don't just photograph what something looks like, photograph what it feels like.
“As you photograph, ask yourself – why should someone stop and look at this image? If your photograph answers that question by revealing beauty, telling a story, or offering a fresh perspective, you're likely on the right track.”
Frank Pawluk
Frank began his career at the age of 16, starting as a photography apprentice and then spending his early career years in Australia as a freelance photographer and senior photographer for Kodak Australia. After a stint as a primary school teacher, Frank turned back to photography, first as owner and manager of McRobie Photographics and then using his teaching skills to run photography programmes at SIT, Aoraki Polytechnic and most recently as a senior lecturer at Otago Polytechnic until his retirement in 2024.
Frank says this year’s theme can be interpreted in many creative ways.
“As a judge, I would usually be looking less at whether the subject is physically small and more at how effectively the photographer communicates the theme.”
The best photographs don't simply show something small; they make something small feel significant, he says.
“Those images tend to be the most memorable because they combine technical skill with a strong interpretation of the theme.”
The judges will shortlist and score images to select the top three photos, which will then feature on the Bulletin Board and on Otago’s social channels in October.
Shortlisted images are also in the running for People’s Choice winner, as voted for by followers on Otago’s social channels. Winners will receive Prezzy cards.
Check out the competition details below.
Here’s what you need to know to enter:
Who can enter?
The competition is open to current staff and students at the University of Otago. Entry is free.
What are the categories?
The Bulletin Photo Competition is open category, i.e. all eligible entries (see “who can enter”) go into one pool for judging.
What is the theme?
The theme for 2026 is “Small things: overlooked details and ordinary moments”. The theme invites photographers to explore how larger meanings can emerge and reverberate from minor details.
What do I submit?
- One original, high-resolution image – minimum 300dpi, in png or jpeg format, that relates to the theme.
- Images must not contain any watermark or other identifying information.
- The photos can be either landscape or portrait shape, although landscape works better.
- A photo title and a short description of up to 100 words. Get creative and write to impress – tell us what the picture is about, how it aligns with the theme, where you clicked it, what inspired you and what equipment and techniques you used.
How do I submit my entry?
Email your entry, photo title and description to bulletin.comp@otago.ac.nz.
How many photos can I submit?
One photo per participant. Entries once submitted will not be swapped or changed, so choose wisely.
What’s the deadline?
Competition opens for entries on Wednesday, 22 July and closes at midnight, Friday, 11 September.
How many winners will be selected this year?
The judges will shortlist the entries submitted and score shortlisted images to select the top three photos. Judges are looking for alignment to theme, good composition and lighting, technical execution and visual impact.
We’ve also got a special prize for People’s Choice. Shortlisted entries will be shared on Otago’s social channels for voting by our followers.
If you aren’t already, follow us and look out for the post in September – Facebook, Instagram.
Are you happy for us to print and use your photos and description?
By entering,
- you grant permission for us to post your photo, photo title, and description to the University website, publications and social media, and for your photo to be printed if required.
- you also confirm that you have permission for any person, costume, props, or other materials depicted in the entry to be portrayed as shown.
What are the prizes?
- First place – $200 Prezzy card
- Second place – $150 Prezzy card
- Third place – $100 Prezzy card
- People’s Choice – $50 Prezzy card
When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced on the Otago Bulletin Board and shared via social media in October.
If you still have questions, please contact the photo competition team.