Media releasesPhotographer makes a splash winning Olympus Auckland Photo Day
17 June 2008
Photography enthusiast Manuel Toribio of Devonport made clever use of his girlfriend’s camera self timer to capture himself diving off the wharf at Stanley Bay and has taken first prize in the twenty four hour competition with his image called “The Flight”.
Manuel was one of hundreds of photographers who participated in the event, submitting over 800 photography entries to be judged.
The judging panel of Ron Brownson, (senior curator Auckland Art Gallery) Kellie Blizard (chief photographer, The Aucklander), and freelance photographer Jocelyn Carlin all agreed Manuel's entry stood out to them right from the beginning.
"This is a winning image, it expresses aspiration, it's uplifting and represents all that's positive about living in this region. All the rewards of risk are apparent here, gathered in a great moment" the judges said.
Manuel is a 25 year old Argentine national and is working as barista and waiter in Devonport while he waits for his New Zealand residency.
“The Festival programmes were dropped in at the restaurant where I work and I thought I’d love to give it a go, so I borrowed my girlfriend’s camera. I was third time lucky with this shot” he said. “I spend my spare time enjoying my days in Auckland, I just love it here. I can’t believe I’ve won the top prize.”
Festival Director, Julia Durkin, says Manuel is a perfect winner for the sponsor’s 1st prizes “with his talent he obviously needs his own camera and now he is an owner of a great Olympus digital SLR plus a Nitro Coffee machine from Gravity Coffee. He’s a deserving winner of the 5th annual Auckland Photo Day.“
ENDS
For more information contact: Julia Durkin Festival Director 0274735443
For further information contactSuzanne McNamara
Media Manager
021 933331