Page 42 - Australian Photography Feb 2022

WINNER
BLACK
& WHITE
SINISTER BEAUTY
JANINE DAWES
@JanineDawesPhotography
Perth born and bred, Janine Dawes is a full- time accountant and passionate hobbyist photographer.
A runner-up in Photographer of the Year’s Black and White category last year, Janine’s work in Black and White rose to the top of the competition in 2021. “I enjoy editing in black and white as I love how it allows you to focus on a subject, its textures, its shapes or its pat- terns,” she said.
Her portfolio, Sinister Beauty, originated from the idea of turning something that people generally love to loathe, into something lovely to look at – weeds.
“Over the last year, I decided to explore this by using weeds as a subject for a portfolio. They were in abundance everywhere I looked, and it’s amazing when you start to look, how many varieties are out there. I started out try- ing different compositions with grass seeds and it grew from there.
Out on my daily walks, I was always look- ing for things to shoot, collecting different bits and pieces from our local parks and roadside verges as well as some from my garden.
I would say most people consider weeds a menace, with their ability to grow, spread, seed, and reproduce a constant battle. But you can also find beauty in them, they are delicate and dainty, some have pretty flowers, and oth- ers show elegance.”
Each image is an HDR stack of between three and six photos. They were then convert- ed to black and white to bring out the details.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
HELEN WHITTLE: Who knew weeds could be so beautiful? This portfolio shows how it’s possible to find beauty in your every day. Delicately and intricately photographed, these images are striking and compelling. With the simple back- ground and the use of monotones, Ja- nine has managed to accentuate the fra- gility of nature. Each image works well on its own, but together creates a strong, cohesive, and inspiring portfolio.
DREW HOPPER: A creatively experimen- tal exploration of minimalism is what re- ally stands out here. Janine has executed this monochrome series very well, with excellent use of high-key lighting to draw our focus to the intimate details. Another thing that makes this successful is consistency in the composition and editing, it all works together to tie this elegant body of work together.
PRIZE: $1000 cash; WD My Passport SSD Drive 2TB Grey; Nokia X20 smartphone valued at $599.
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