The Astrofest astrophotography competition showcases and celebrates the best of Western Australian astrophotography. The best astrophotography as selected by our judges with the help of our Curator was featured at Astrofest 2020 on February 29th 2020 and subsequently will travel around the state of Western Australia.
WELCOME TO THE ASTROFEST 2020 ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
This exhibition features a selection of photographs submitted to the 2020 Astrofest Astrophotography Competition, carefully chosen by the Judges and Curator. As your 2020 Curator I am very pleased to present this showcase of local Western Australian astrophotography talent.
This year, I (Roger Groom of Astro Photography Australia) have taken on the Curator position from Dr John Goldsmith who previously curated the exhibition for 10 years. I would like to thank John for his contribution over the last decade and his contribution to the WA astrophotography community in general.
In my new role as Curator I have built on previous exhibitions with some new ideas that I hope to take further in the future. As a long-time West Australian amateur astronomer and astrophotographer I see myself simply as the person tasked to pull together what is actually your exhibition of your WA astro photographs. I will do my best to showcase and promote the WA astrophotography community’s photographs through this exhibition and am always open to new ideas and suggestions.
In this 2020 competition I focused on making the event appeal to as broad a selection of astrophotography interests as possible, as well as encouraging new talent. By introducing a more diverse range of categories I hoped to provide a more even playing field where images of similar technical requirements and skill level can be judged together. I hope by seeing this at the 2020 exhibition more entrants will join us for the 2021 competition and exhibition, particularly in the specialist fields. It has been particularly fantastic to receive a very strong representation of New Talent entries this year.
The Astrofest astrophotography exhibition has travelled to regional locations in the past and this looks set to expand in 2020. Look out for announcements via the Astrofest newsletter and social media channels; the year ahead looks to be packed full of touring locations around Western Australia, starting with John Curtin Gallery following Astrofest.
Of course, the Astrofest exhibition would not be possible without sponsorship from our local community. Regular sponsors Camera Electronic, Pendoley Environmental and Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association are supporting us again, along with new sponsors Astro Photography Australia, Astrotourism WA, Perth Observatory and Leofoto joining to help make this event possible. Thanks also to Astrofest sponsors Curtin University, ICRAR, Scitech and CSIRO. Please support these local sponsors who have supported us.
In summary I would encourage you all to enjoy this exhibition of your astrophotography, and get involved next year with your best astro photos.
Roger Groom
Curator – 2020 Astrofest Exhibition
Astro Photography Australia
This year, I (Roger Groom of Astro Photography Australia) have taken on the Curator position from Dr John Goldsmith who previously curated the exhibition for 10 years. I would like to thank John for his contribution over the last decade and his contribution to the WA astrophotography community in general.
In my new role as Curator I have built on previous exhibitions with some new ideas that I hope to take further in the future. As a long-time West Australian amateur astronomer and astrophotographer I see myself simply as the person tasked to pull together what is actually your exhibition of your WA astro photographs. I will do my best to showcase and promote the WA astrophotography community’s photographs through this exhibition and am always open to new ideas and suggestions.
In this 2020 competition I focused on making the event appeal to as broad a selection of astrophotography interests as possible, as well as encouraging new talent. By introducing a more diverse range of categories I hoped to provide a more even playing field where images of similar technical requirements and skill level can be judged together. I hope by seeing this at the 2020 exhibition more entrants will join us for the 2021 competition and exhibition, particularly in the specialist fields. It has been particularly fantastic to receive a very strong representation of New Talent entries this year.
The Astrofest astrophotography exhibition has travelled to regional locations in the past and this looks set to expand in 2020. Look out for announcements via the Astrofest newsletter and social media channels; the year ahead looks to be packed full of touring locations around Western Australia, starting with John Curtin Gallery following Astrofest.
Of course, the Astrofest exhibition would not be possible without sponsorship from our local community. Regular sponsors Camera Electronic, Pendoley Environmental and Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association are supporting us again, along with new sponsors Astro Photography Australia, Astrotourism WA, Perth Observatory and Leofoto joining to help make this event possible. Thanks also to Astrofest sponsors Curtin University, ICRAR, Scitech and CSIRO. Please support these local sponsors who have supported us.
In summary I would encourage you all to enjoy this exhibition of your astrophotography, and get involved next year with your best astro photos.
Roger Groom
Curator – 2020 Astrofest Exhibition
Astro Photography Australia
EXHIBITED TIMELAPSES
In this video:
Chasing the Light - Brendan Mitchell
International Space Station - Grahame Kelaher
Astro-Timelapse-02 - Joseph Giovannetti
Our Home - Ken Lawson
Moonlit Sentinels - Pete Wheeler
The River in the Sky - Simon Li
Encore Presentation of 2019's Best Timelapse Winner, 'WA Night Sky 2018, Battling Clouds' by Stephen Humpleby.
EXHIBITION PRIZE RESULTS
Congratulations to the following winners of the Astrofest 2020 Astrophotography Exhibition Awards prizes and categories.
Award winners:
Award winners:
- Best New Talent: Martin Williams "Horse head nebula"
- Best Astrotourism WA Nightscape: Luke Hetherington "Windmill and the Stars"
- Frederic de Houtman Award for Best Magellanic Cloud Photo: Martin Grasl "The Large Magellanic Cloud PGC 17223"
- Peoples Choice: David Atkins "The Gorge"
- Best Astro Photo: Martin Williams "Horse head nebula"
- Best Deep Sky Photo: William Vrbasso “The Jewels of Orion’s Sword”
- Best Lunar Photo: David Nicolson “The Moon against the Stars”
- Best Solar Photo: Boyang Liu “TSE at La Silla”
- Best Planetary Photo: Brett Turner “The Faces of Jupiter”
- Best Nightscape Photo: Luke Hetherington “Bald head”
- Best Timelapse Video: Ken Lawson “Our Home”
CURRENT EXHIBITION LOCATION
Having recently concluded a successful showing at the Museum of the Great Southern in Albany, the 2020 Exhibition will be on show at the Shark Bay Discovery Centre until the end of November, when it will return to Perth for storage. If you'd like to exhibit the 2020 exhibition please contact the curator to enquire!
SPONSORS
The exhibition is kindly sponsored through the Astrofest program by:
Additional sponsors for the 2020 Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition include:
GENERAL EXHIBITION ENTRY INFORMATION (for reference)
For eligibility criteria please refer to our Terms & Conditions (or download them as a pdf.)
The additional information below regarding the 2020 Astrophotography Competition & Exhibition can also be downloaded in our General Information document.
The additional information below regarding the 2020 Astrophotography Competition & Exhibition can also be downloaded in our General Information document.
Each year Astronomy WA runs the very successful Astrofest science outreach event in Perth, Western Australia. Astrofest has associated with it an exhibition of astrophotography, the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition.
Selection of photographs to display in the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition is by way of an annual competition. Entries are invited from astrophotographers in Western Australia, judged by a selected panel, and a select number of photographs chosen for exhibition in the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition.
Following the Astrofest event the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition then tours Western Australia, being exhibited at metropolitan and regional galleries and community events.
The Astrofest Exhibition provides an opportunity to showcase Western Australian astrophotography and encourage new photographers to the field of astrophotography.
Selection of photographs to display in the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition is by way of an annual competition. Entries are invited from astrophotographers in Western Australia, judged by a selected panel, and a select number of photographs chosen for exhibition in the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition.
Following the Astrofest event the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition then tours Western Australia, being exhibited at metropolitan and regional galleries and community events.
The Astrofest Exhibition provides an opportunity to showcase Western Australian astrophotography and encourage new photographers to the field of astrophotography.
IMportant Dates
Important dates for the 2020 Astrofest Exhibition are:
- September 20th 2019: Entries open
- November 15th 2019: Entries close
- February 29th 2020: Astrofest Exhibition at Astrofest. Awards ceremony.
How to submit entries
Entries are now closed for the 2020 Exhibition, thank you for your interest.
Ensure that your entries are successfully uploaded, and confirmation received before the entry closing date. Late entries will not be accepted.
Entries should be submitted via the online form including the following information:
Entries should be submitted via the online form including the following information:
- Title
- A short title for your photograph.
- Maximum 50 characters.
- Category
- Selection of category (see category information below).
- Astrotourism WA Town
- If a Nightscape photograph is taken in an Astrotourism WA location specify the Shire/Local Government here to have it considered for the Best Astrotourism WA Nightscape Award. See below for the list of Astrotourism WA locations.
- Leave blank if not applicable.
- Brief technical description
- Describe your photograph including any relevant technical details.
- Maximum 500 characters.
Categories
Each photograph or video entered in the Astrofest Exhibition is entered for one category. Categories are designed to provide a more equal comparison of photographic subjects.
Entrants may submit the same photograph or video for multiple categories but are limited to overall 10 entries per Entrant. For example you may submit one photograph to 10 categories or 10 photographs each to one category.
The Astrofest exhibition accepts entries to the following categories:
Entrants will nominate the category they are entering each of their entries to, at the time of submission.
Entrants may submit the same photograph or video for multiple categories but are limited to overall 10 entries per Entrant. For example you may submit one photograph to 10 categories or 10 photographs each to one category.
The Astrofest exhibition accepts entries to the following categories:
- Deep Sky
- Solar
- Lunar
- Planetary
- Nightscape
- Timelapse Video
Entrants will nominate the category they are entering each of their entries to, at the time of submission.
Awards
There will be the following awards presented with prizes and trophy’s:
In addition, winners will be announced for each of the award categories and trophies awarded, sponsored by Perth Observatory:
- Best Astro Photo sponsored by Camera Electronic
- All photographs from any category and any valid entrant are candidates for this award.
- Best New Talent sponsored by Pendoley Environmental
- All photographs from valid New Talent entrants are candidates for this award.
- Best Astrotourism WA Nightscape Award sponsored by Astrotourism WA
- Nightscape photographs from any valid entrant, where the photographs are taken in the Astrotourism WA Shire/Local Government localities are candidates for this award.
- Nightscape photographs applicable to this award will feature terrestrial elements located in the Astrotourism WA Local Government locality* (for example a natural or built landmark or local person).
- The eligible Local Government localities include the City of Greater Geraldton-Mullewa and the Shires of Carnamah, Chittering, Coorow, Dandaragan, Lake Grace, Northam, Mingenew, Moora, Morawa, Perenjori, Three Springs, Wagin, West Arthur, and Wongan-Ballidu.
- Frederick de Houtman Award for the Best Magellanic Cloud Photo sponsored by Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association
- All photographs incorporating the Large and/or Small Magellanic Cloud are candidates for this award.
- At least one Magellanic Cloud must be clearly visible in reasonable scale.
- People’s Choice Award sponsored by Leofoto Australia
- All photographs from any category and any valid entrant are candidates for this award.
- The People’s Choice Award will be awarded based on online voting ahead of the exhibition event.
In addition, winners will be announced for each of the award categories and trophies awarded, sponsored by Perth Observatory:
- Best Deep Sky photograph
- Best Solar photograph
- Best Lunar photograph
- Best Planetary photograph
- Best Nightscape photograph
- Best Timelapse video
Preparing your photographs for submission
It is recommended you submit your images at a high-quality setting of JPG, being aware of any loss of quality due to JPG compression and choosing an appropriate compression ratio.
There is no minimum size specified for entries of photographs however it is recommended that to permit fair judging you submit astrophotography images with a width of no smaller than 2000 pixels, or as close to this as possible (realising that this may not be practical for subjects such as planetary photographs). Similarly, for video sequences it is recommended you submit these in HD format as a minimum.
When preparing your photographs or video sequences for submission we strongly suggest you use a colour calibrated screen to ensure correct and fair representation. We will not alter your photographs or video sequences to colour match them, they will be taken as-is.
We request that timelapse video sequences and astrophotos are submitted without watermarks or credits identifying the creator to enable anonymous judging. Credits will be attached to each photo chosen for the exhibition, and we will request a version of selected timelapse entrants with credits included for display.
There is no minimum size specified for entries of photographs however it is recommended that to permit fair judging you submit astrophotography images with a width of no smaller than 2000 pixels, or as close to this as possible (realising that this may not be practical for subjects such as planetary photographs). Similarly, for video sequences it is recommended you submit these in HD format as a minimum.
When preparing your photographs or video sequences for submission we strongly suggest you use a colour calibrated screen to ensure correct and fair representation. We will not alter your photographs or video sequences to colour match them, they will be taken as-is.
We request that timelapse video sequences and astrophotos are submitted without watermarks or credits identifying the creator to enable anonymous judging. Credits will be attached to each photo chosen for the exhibition, and we will request a version of selected timelapse entrants with credits included for display.
Selection of photographs for the astrofest exhibition
A selection of the Astrophotography Competition entries is selected for display at the Astrofest Exhibition.
At the Astrofest Exhibition we exhibit approximately 35 images in print format, and additional images in digital format on screens. This number is subject to change at the discretion of the Astrofest organisers and the Curator.
The selection of these images is made by the Curator and will include a combination of still images and video sequences. We are not able to include all images submitted due to limitations including the large number of entries received and limited print space and screen time.
Entrants whose submissions have been selected for print or digital inclusion in the Astrofest Exhibition will be notified by email after judging and before the 29th February 2020.
At the Astrofest Exhibition we exhibit approximately 35 images in print format, and additional images in digital format on screens. This number is subject to change at the discretion of the Astrofest organisers and the Curator.
The selection of these images is made by the Curator and will include a combination of still images and video sequences. We are not able to include all images submitted due to limitations including the large number of entries received and limited print space and screen time.
Entrants whose submissions have been selected for print or digital inclusion in the Astrofest Exhibition will be notified by email after judging and before the 29th February 2020.
Judging
The 2020 Astrophotography Exhibition Judges
Judges for the 2020 Astrofest Exhibition have been carefully chosen for their specific experience and association with astronomy and photography.
Judges for the 2020 Astrofest Exhibition have been carefully chosen for their specific experience and association with astronomy and photography.
Dr David Malin, Photo: Bob Bee
Prof. Peter Quinn. Photo: ICRAR
Pat Baker in his Underwater Cameras Museum & Library, with classic cameras and self-portrait from 50 years ago.
|
Dr David Malin AM has been involved in scientific imaging all his working life. He joined the Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO, now the Australian Astronomical Observatory) as its Photographic Scientist in August 1975, shortly after scheduled observations began on the then-new, 3.9m Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) in June 1975. He is also now Adjunct Professor of Scientific Photography at RMIT University in Melbourne. He was born in England and trained as a chemist, working for many years with a large international chemical company in the north of England. There he used optical and electron microscope and X-ray diffraction techniques to explore the very small before turning his attention to much larger and more distant things in Australia.
Professor Peter Quinn is the Director of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Perth, WA. He was born in Australia and received his BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Wollongong. He conducted graduate studies in astronomy and astrophysics at the Australian National University (ANU) and received his PhD in 1982 with a thesis dissertation on dynamics of disk galaxy mergers.
Since then Peter has worked at the California Institute of Technology, the NASA Space Telescope Science Institute and the Data Management and Operations Division at the European Southern Observatory headquarters in Munich. In December 2005, Peter was awarded a Western Australian Premier's Fellowship and took up the position of Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Western Australia in August 2006. He was appointed Director of ICRAR in 2009. Mr Patrick Baker is a passionate photographer with almost sixty years experience; a recorder of the natural world and built-environment, from the heavens, to the depths of the sea, from mountains to the microscopic world. Early in his photographic career, Pat volunteered his time and skills to various archaeological endeavours. In 1973, he emigrated from England to Australia, to begin his specialist photography career at the Western Australian Museum; a job he remained in for the next 44 years. Pat’s maritime archaeology photography has featured widely in many publications including National Geographic, Australian Natural History, Landscope and Australian Geographic. He has twice been a winner of the international BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and has previously judged photographic competitions such as the first years of the ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year and the Australasian Institute of Maritime Archaeology (AIMA) competitions. Now retired from permanent employment, his enthusiasm for his life-time interests continues.
|
The exhibition at Astrofest
On the night of 29th February 2020 the Astrofest Exhibition will be held at the Curtin Stadium, Curtin University, Bentley. Refer to the Astrofest website for open and closing times.
Entrants are encouraged to visit the exhibition and see theirs and others photographs before the exhibition then travels over subsequent months around Western Australia.
Entrants are encouraged to visit the exhibition and see theirs and others photographs before the exhibition then travels over subsequent months around Western Australia.
Travelling Exhibition
Following the Astrofest event on the 29th February the Astrofest Exhibition will travel to various locations around Western Australia, and possibly Australia, being exhibited.
Entrants who have their photographs included in the exhibition will be notified via email of upcoming touring exhibitions by the Curator.
Locations will include:
If you know of somewhere that would like to feature the Astrofest Exhibition please let the Curator know at [email protected].
Entrants who have their photographs included in the exhibition will be notified via email of upcoming touring exhibitions by the Curator.
Locations will include:
- Astro Rocks festival at Mt Magnet, typically held in September each year. For more information see: https://mtmagnet-astrorocks.com/
- Museum of Geraldton exhibition space. More information will be provided when dates and information are confirmed.
If you know of somewhere that would like to feature the Astrofest Exhibition please let the Curator know at [email protected].
Additional Use of Entries
From time to time the Astrofest organising committee has a need for photography/imagery to use for promotional, outreach and other reasons. When this need arises the organising committee regularly draws upon the Astrofest Exhibition entries.
As per the Astrofest Exhibition Terms & Conditions you grant the organisers of Astrofest the right to use your photography in this way.
As a courtesy, if an entry of yours is chosen to be used for such a purpose the Astrofest organising committee will make every effort to contact you and check you are happy with the intended use, and to let you know where your photography will be used.
If a member of the Astrofest committee would like to use an Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition entry for a purpose not associated with Astrofest, they will seek your separate agreement before any such use. Declining permission for such a use will not change your participation or inclusion in future Astrofest exhibitions in any way.
To clarify the above paragraphs due to questions from prospective entrants, we’d like to make it clear that photos submitted to the Astrofest Exhibition may be used by the Astrofest Committee for the actual exhibition, in the promotion of Astrofest, the exhibition, and Astronomy WA and for no other use.
We will not use your images for any other purpose without a separate arrangement with yourself.
Denying any further uses of your images if requested will have no impact or bearing on how the judges and curator assess any future images you submit to the exhibition. Please feel free to contact the curator via [email protected] with any questions, concerns or comments about the exhibition. The curator is committed to hearing your feedback and improving the exhibition and processes each year.
For quick reference, the section of the terms and conditions referring to copyright and use of images reads:
"Copyright and image rights:
As per the Astrofest Exhibition Terms & Conditions you grant the organisers of Astrofest the right to use your photography in this way.
As a courtesy, if an entry of yours is chosen to be used for such a purpose the Astrofest organising committee will make every effort to contact you and check you are happy with the intended use, and to let you know where your photography will be used.
If a member of the Astrofest committee would like to use an Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition entry for a purpose not associated with Astrofest, they will seek your separate agreement before any such use. Declining permission for such a use will not change your participation or inclusion in future Astrofest exhibitions in any way.
To clarify the above paragraphs due to questions from prospective entrants, we’d like to make it clear that photos submitted to the Astrofest Exhibition may be used by the Astrofest Committee for the actual exhibition, in the promotion of Astrofest, the exhibition, and Astronomy WA and for no other use.
We will not use your images for any other purpose without a separate arrangement with yourself.
Denying any further uses of your images if requested will have no impact or bearing on how the judges and curator assess any future images you submit to the exhibition. Please feel free to contact the curator via [email protected] with any questions, concerns or comments about the exhibition. The curator is committed to hearing your feedback and improving the exhibition and processes each year.
For quick reference, the section of the terms and conditions referring to copyright and use of images reads:
"Copyright and image rights:
- Permission to reproduce entries for display in the exhibition in electronic or physical print form, for promotional material relating to Astrofest and the Astrofest Exhibition will be assumed as a condition of entry.
- The copyright of submitted photography remains with the Entrant.
- The Entrant grants a non-exclusive, non-transferrable license for the organisers of the exhibition to reproduce their submitted photographs for purposes relating directly to the Astrofest Astrophotography Competition and Exhibition, Astrofest or Astronomy WA."
Feedback
If you have any feedback regarding the organisation or details of the Astrofest Exhibition please contact the Curator at [email protected]