Stories from the Sea: A Photography Exhibition celebrating the ocean

We are excited to present the ‘Stories from the Sea’ photography exhibition at Gowings Coffs Central! Mid North Coast photographers, both amateur and professional, were invited to submit their most captivating photographs that depict the beauty, mystery, and significance of the ocean.

These stunning images, now on display Level 1 near Kmart, Gowings Coffs Central, showcase the incredible talent and unique perspectives of our local artists. We invite you to visit the exhibition and vote for your favourite photograph. By casting your vote, you’ll not only support our talented photographers but also enter the running to WIN a $100 Coffs Central Gift Card. Dive into the beauty and mystery of the ocean and make your vote count today!

Terms and Conditions can be found Here

Photographer entries for this competition have closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE THEME?

The theme of the exhibition is the beauty, mystery, and significance of the ocean.

CAN I ENTER MORE THAN ONE SUBMISSION?

Yes, there is no limit to the quantity of entries you submit, however each one must be submitted individually and will incur the $15 entry fee.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC FILE TYPES AND SIZES REQUIRED FOR SUBMISSION?

Image format: Initial Entries must be supplied in JPEG (.jpg) format.

Image file size: Individual images must not exceed 5MB.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER?

The cost of entry is $15 per submission –100% of proceeds will go to Gowings Whale Trust to contribute to ocean preservation initiatives.

ARE THERE RULES SURROUNDING EDITED PHOTOGRAPHS?

Images entered must be entirely photographic in origin. Permissible adjustments include cropping, noise reduction, sharpening, shadow/highlight adjustments, and contrast adjustments, including dodging and burning. Stitched panoramas, focus stacks, and HDR images are also allowed, where multiple exposures captured in the same location are merged into a single image. Competition organisers reserve the right to request original image to confirm entry compliance. Furthermore, they reserve the right to disqualify any image if they feel it lacks authenticity due to excessive manipulation.

CAN I ENTER PHOTOGRAPHS THAT HAVE PREVIOUSLY WON AWARDS?

There are no limitations surrounding submitting award winning photography provided the pieces are submitted by the photographer who took them and the piece abides digital manipulation rules outlined above.

HOW ARE FINALISTS DETERMINED AND WHEN WILL I FIND OUT IF I AM A FINALIST?

Finalists will be determined by a panel of Gowings staff.

Photographers will be informed of their finalist status by 4:00pm on Wednesday, 26th June 2024 via email.

WHAT MUST I SUPPLY IF I AM CHOSEN AS A FINALIST?

All finalist photographs selected must be supplied framed or printed onto canvas and ready to be hung including D Rings at a maximum size of 40cm x 60cm (landscape or portrait) to the Gowings Head Office, Level 3, Gowings Coffs Central by no later than 4:00pm on Wednesday, 10th July 2024. Name of photographer and Title of Work must also be displayed on reverse side of print.

HOW WILL THE WINNER BE DECIDED?

All finalist submissions will be displayed in a public exhibition and will go to public vote to determine the winner and runner up for the period of 13th July – 28th July 2024.

In the event of a tie for first or second place, a panel of Gowings staff will determine the winners respectively.