A bumper crop of entries were received for a seniors photography competition, with the winners now on display at the City Library.

Through the Lens, a government-supported competition and exhibition, has been running since 2015 and encourages all South Australian Seniors Card members to enter photographs that reflect their lives and interests and share their stories.

The competition is part of the UN’s International Day of Older Persons, celebrated every year on October 1.

The exhibition is being held at the City Library, off Rundle Mall. This picture: Isabella Kelly

This year, judges had to consider 780 submissions—an increase on the 600 received last year—before determining the winners of six categories: Judge’s Choice, Landscape and Nature, Artistic Photography, Portrait, Active Ageing, and Meaningful Connections.

On October 3 the finalists were invited to an exclusive event held at the City Library where the winners were announced.

Dennis Kraayenbrink

Dennis Kraayenbrink took out the top prize in the Judge’s Choice category for his photo ‘A Medievalesque quasi-European portrait with a modern twist’.

Dennis first entered the competition in 2021, when he was a finalist in the People’s Choice category. In 2022 he was again a finalist, this time for a portrait.

Dennis says he enjoys putting together portraits using everyday items as props.

A Medievalesque quasi-European portrait with a modern twist by Dennis Kraayenbrink.

“I love photographing people,” Dennis said. “My work is pre-thought—the purpose is to depict a mood, atmosphere, and to evoke emotion.”

“I felt an overwhelming wave of emotion when I looked at this image. It wasn’t just an image on my SD card.

“I felt like as if I could see blood flowing beneath the skin and feel a pensive mood.”

Landscape and Nature category winner, Bubble Coral Shrimp by Ian Patterson.

Nat Cook, Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well, says the exhibition “celebrates the creativity and photographic talents of older South Australians”.

“Images shared allow us to connect, tell a story, and look through the photographers’ eyes—with the experience that comes with age on full display for the public to enjoy.”

Artistic Photography category winner, A Lightbulb Moment by Paul O’Leary.

“This year’s talented finalists and winners show it’s never too late to start a new hobby or rediscover the love of an existing one.”

The Through the Lens exhibition in on at the City Library, Rundle Mall, until October 31.

Portrait category winner, Working Man Hands by Scott Pearson.

Active Ageing category winner, Wetting a Line by Sandra Horne.