‘Portraits of Boroondara’ is an exhibition that showcases the winners of the 2020 Boroondara Photograph Competition. This popular annual competition invites amateur photographers to submit their photos of Boroondara from the past and the present. For the fourth consecutive year of the competition, hundreds of entries were received featuring people, places and events that have shaped Boroondara.
The theme for 2020 was ‘Portraits of Boroondara’ which celebrated the people in our community. Participants entered a broad range of contemporary and historical photographs into two main categories: the Open Photograph Competition for people of all ages, and the Young Photographers Competition for school aged photographers. The feature category ‘Women of Boroondara’ celebrated 100 years of women in local government and the contribution women make to the community.
This exhibition is presented in collaboration with the Boroondara Library Service.
Please click the left and right arrows to browse the carousels of images below.
Young Photographers’ Competition, Junior Photographers, First Prize: Miranda Gerdsen, ‘Girl Gazing’, 26 March 2020.
Artist statement: Taken in the Californian Peppercorn tree in Sir Garnet Road, Surrey Hills and features my sister Amy.
Judges’ comments: The dramatic viewpoint and use of composition, texture and pattern is very effective. The wild foliage in the front seems to reflect the free spirited personality of the subject.
Artist statement: Taken in the Californian Peppercorn tree in Sir Garnet Road, Surrey Hills and features my sister Amy.
Judges’ comments: The dramatic viewpoint and use of composition, texture and pattern is very effective. The wild foliage in the front seems to reflect the free spirited personality of the subject.
Young Photographers’ Competition, Junior Photographers, Second Prize: Miranda Gerdsen, ‘Floral Thoughts’, 26 March 2020.
Artist statement: Taken in Sir Garnet Road, Surrey Hills and features my sister Amy.
Judges’ comments: Excellent technique and well considered composition. The contracting treatment of the sharp foreground and out-of-focus background creates visual interest.
Artist statement: Taken in Sir Garnet Road, Surrey Hills and features my sister Amy.
Judges’ comments: Excellent technique and well considered composition. The contracting treatment of the sharp foreground and out-of-focus background creates visual interest.
Young Photographers’ Competition, Middle Photographers, First Prize: Matthew Scouller, ‘Tricks of the light’, September 2019.
Artist statement: This is a photo of my little sister at our home in Camberwell.
Judges’ comments: Excellent use of light to create an unusual effect that eliminates the details in the subject's face. The contrast with the dark background is very effective. Well done.
Artist statement: This is a photo of my little sister at our home in Camberwell.
Judges’ comments: Excellent use of light to create an unusual effect that eliminates the details in the subject's face. The contrast with the dark background is very effective. Well done.
Young Photographers’ Competition, Middle Photographers, Second Prize: Amy Gerdsen, ‘Tree Reading’, 26 March 2020.
Artist statement: This photo was taken in Sir Garnet Road, Surrey Hills, in the Californian Peppercorn tree and it features my sister Miranda.
Judges’ comments: This photograph feels like a whimsical scene from a fantasy book. Effective use of a low viewpoint to exaggerate how high up the tree the figure lies, and wonderful contrast of the pink dress with the green surrounds.
Artist statement: This photo was taken in Sir Garnet Road, Surrey Hills, in the Californian Peppercorn tree and it features my sister Miranda.
Judges’ comments: This photograph feels like a whimsical scene from a fantasy book. Effective use of a low viewpoint to exaggerate how high up the tree the figure lies, and wonderful contrast of the pink dress with the green surrounds.
Young Photographers’ Competition, Middle Photographers, Third Prize: Monique Thorp, ‘Social Isolation’, 8 April 2020.
Artist statement: This photo is taken at Frog Hollow Reserve along Fordham Avenue in Camberwell. It depicts a young girl looking into the closed-off boundaries of a playground.
Judges’ comments: An effective representation of a moment in time. This photo illustrates how COVID-19 has effected young people and their relationship to their environments, in particular, not being able to access playgrounds.
Artist statement: This photo is taken at Frog Hollow Reserve along Fordham Avenue in Camberwell. It depicts a young girl looking into the closed-off boundaries of a playground.
Judges’ comments: An effective representation of a moment in time. This photo illustrates how COVID-19 has effected young people and their relationship to their environments, in particular, not being able to access playgrounds.
Young Photographers’ Competition, Senior Photographers, First Prize: Nadine Lim, ‘Phantom Ping Pong’, 26 March 2020.
Artist statement: I took this photo in my back porch, located on the south-east side of Myrtle Park in Balwyn North. It depicts my two cousins, Elliot and Oliver, playing ping pong on a fine sunny day. Elliot enthusiastically serves the ball to Oliver, whose inexperience and slight confusion is apparent in his stature and the awkward way he grips the bat. Elliot won the point.
I was experimenting with my new camera, an Olympus E-M10 Mark III, on multiple exposure mode to create ghost photos. I first took a photo without my cousins, then one with them in it. My camera automatically combined them into one, resulting in my cousins' translucent appearances. The image is unedited.
Judges’ comments: Amazing use of technique, using a ghost effect to capture a fleeting moment. Photo reflects ephemerality of time and captures a fun family moment.
Artist statement: I took this photo in my back porch, located on the south-east side of Myrtle Park in Balwyn North. It depicts my two cousins, Elliot and Oliver, playing ping pong on a fine sunny day. Elliot enthusiastically serves the ball to Oliver, whose inexperience and slight confusion is apparent in his stature and the awkward way he grips the bat. Elliot won the point.
I was experimenting with my new camera, an Olympus E-M10 Mark III, on multiple exposure mode to create ghost photos. I first took a photo without my cousins, then one with them in it. My camera automatically combined them into one, resulting in my cousins' translucent appearances. The image is unedited.
Judges’ comments: Amazing use of technique, using a ghost effect to capture a fleeting moment. Photo reflects ephemerality of time and captures a fun family moment.
Young Photographers’ Competition, Senior Photographers, Second Prize: James Padgham, ‘Portable Home’, 16 April 2020.
Artist statement: This photo was taken at around 8:00pm. It was taken in Hawthorn on Glenferrie Road. This photo depicts my brother, walking across the road with a shopping cart. My aim was to use long exposure and also a focused figure in an un-edited photograph. Given the COVID-19 restrictions, I used the idea of staying at home, contrasted with a shopping trolley being a homeless boy’s "portable home".
Judges’ comments: Impressive and effective experimentation with technique to create the desired effect, which reflects the transience and fluidity of the COVID-19 situation.
Artist statement: This photo was taken at around 8:00pm. It was taken in Hawthorn on Glenferrie Road. This photo depicts my brother, walking across the road with a shopping cart. My aim was to use long exposure and also a focused figure in an un-edited photograph. Given the COVID-19 restrictions, I used the idea of staying at home, contrasted with a shopping trolley being a homeless boy’s "portable home".
Judges’ comments: Impressive and effective experimentation with technique to create the desired effect, which reflects the transience and fluidity of the COVID-19 situation.
Young Photographers’ Competition, Senior Photographers, Third Prize: Gen Lightfoot, ‘Home’, 3 April 2020.
Artist statement: This is a self-portrait of the photographer with her bird, Teke.
Judges’ comments: The tight crop creates a sense of intimacy between the camera and the subject. It shows very impressive bird wrangling. We get a sense of the model's personality based on her facial expression and friendship with the bird.
Artist statement: This is a self-portrait of the photographer with her bird, Teke.
Judges’ comments: The tight crop creates a sense of intimacy between the camera and the subject. It shows very impressive bird wrangling. We get a sense of the model's personality based on her facial expression and friendship with the bird.
Open Photograph Competition, Historical - Portraits of Boroondara taken 1800s to 1954, First Prize: Keith Head, ‘Mum and Dad by the fire’, c. 2 June 1953.
Artist statement: Taken in the lounge room at 12 Peverill Street, Deepdene. The couple are my mother (Elsie May Winters, aka Pat) and my step-father (Henry Firmin Winters, aka Hal). Typical evening situation - fire alight, both reading. Dad is reading The Herald, which can be seen to be open at the page showing the route of the Coronation procession in London.
Judges’ comments: A very pleasing composition. Excellent study of patterns and textures featured in the seats, their clothes, and the tiles of the fireplace. Captures everyday domestic scene with a significant historical moment.
Artist statement: Taken in the lounge room at 12 Peverill Street, Deepdene. The couple are my mother (Elsie May Winters, aka Pat) and my step-father (Henry Firmin Winters, aka Hal). Typical evening situation - fire alight, both reading. Dad is reading The Herald, which can be seen to be open at the page showing the route of the Coronation procession in London.
Judges’ comments: A very pleasing composition. Excellent study of patterns and textures featured in the seats, their clothes, and the tiles of the fireplace. Captures everyday domestic scene with a significant historical moment.
Open Photograph Competition, Historical - Portraits of Boroondara taken 1800s to 1954, Second Prize: Keith Head, ‘Presbyterian Boys Association Film Night’, June 1953.
Artist statement: The boys are meeting in what was the kindergarten building, which had been the original Deepdene Presbyterian Church fronting Burke Road, Deepdene, but moved lower down the site to make room for the current church. The four people at left rear are; Eric Sibley (decd.), Jim Briscoe (decd.), Alister Pritchard and John Wardlaw (decd.). One of the two boys at rear right is Ray Hill.
Judges’ comments: A delightful community scene. By capturing the audience's response, this photo creates intrigue for the film we can't see.
Artist statement: The boys are meeting in what was the kindergarten building, which had been the original Deepdene Presbyterian Church fronting Burke Road, Deepdene, but moved lower down the site to make room for the current church. The four people at left rear are; Eric Sibley (decd.), Jim Briscoe (decd.), Alister Pritchard and John Wardlaw (decd.). One of the two boys at rear right is Ray Hill.
Judges’ comments: A delightful community scene. By capturing the audience's response, this photo creates intrigue for the film we can't see.
Open Photograph Competition, Historical - Portraits of Boroondara taken 1955 to 1984, First Prize: Verna Johns, entered by Susan Johns, ‘Playing in the backyard’, c. 1960.
Entrant statement: Sisters, Susan and Pamela Johns, being creative by making a see-saw from what was found in their backyard in Gordon Street, Balwyn. Susan is on the left and is sitting on the plank balanced on the saw horse. Many hours of fun were had by all.
Judges’ comments: Really pleasing composition. A great representation of sibling dynamics illustrated in the see-saw. Excellent use of symbolism.
Entrant statement: Sisters, Susan and Pamela Johns, being creative by making a see-saw from what was found in their backyard in Gordon Street, Balwyn. Susan is on the left and is sitting on the plank balanced on the saw horse. Many hours of fun were had by all.
Judges’ comments: Really pleasing composition. A great representation of sibling dynamics illustrated in the see-saw. Excellent use of symbolism.
12. Open Photograph Competition, Historical - Portraits of Boroondara taken 1955 to 1984, Second Prize: Verna Johns, entered by Susan Johns, ‘Dress-ups’, c. 1960.
Entrant statement: During our childhood we often resorted to dress-ups. Back row, L to R: Colin Norgate and Wendy Norgate, Front: Pam Johns and Susan Johns. We were at our family's back door in Gordon Street, Balwyn.
Judges’ comments: Captures the joy of childhood and the importance of neighbourhood friends to construct games and fun.
Entrant statement: During our childhood we often resorted to dress-ups. Back row, L to R: Colin Norgate and Wendy Norgate, Front: Pam Johns and Susan Johns. We were at our family's back door in Gordon Street, Balwyn.
Judges’ comments: Captures the joy of childhood and the importance of neighbourhood friends to construct games and fun.
Open Photograph Competition, Historical - Portraits of Boroondara taken 1955 to 1984, Third Prize: Jo Dean, entered by Mario Lattuada, ‘Redex Australia Trial’, c. 1955.
Entrant statement: This photo was given to me by my neighbour, Jo Dean. She lived at 409 Belmore Road, Balwyn. Her home was the first house to be built on Belmore Road. This photo is of her neighbour at 407 Belmore Road and depicts the preparation for the Redex Australia Trial. I have lived in this house since 1987. I am so pleased to have this photo as it shows my property before all the renovations!
Judges’ comments: Captures the history of automobiles of the era and showcases the architecture and landscape of the immediate surrounds.
Entrant statement: This photo was given to me by my neighbour, Jo Dean. She lived at 409 Belmore Road, Balwyn. Her home was the first house to be built on Belmore Road. This photo is of her neighbour at 407 Belmore Road and depicts the preparation for the Redex Australia Trial. I have lived in this house since 1987. I am so pleased to have this photo as it shows my property before all the renovations!
Judges’ comments: Captures the history of automobiles of the era and showcases the architecture and landscape of the immediate surrounds.
Best in Competition and Open Photograph Competition, Historical - Portraits of Boroondara taken 1985 to 2016, First Prize: Elisabeth Frank, ‘Carolina’, c. 1990.
Artist statement: Oxley Road, Hawthorn: Carolina was a subject I chose to photograph when attending classes with "photographer-in-residence", Wendy Rew, in Hawthorn.
Judges’ comments: An excellent example of portraiture. The photographer has been able to capture the subject's personality. A wonderful depiction of a strong determined woman.
Artist statement: Oxley Road, Hawthorn: Carolina was a subject I chose to photograph when attending classes with "photographer-in-residence", Wendy Rew, in Hawthorn.
Judges’ comments: An excellent example of portraiture. The photographer has been able to capture the subject's personality. A wonderful depiction of a strong determined woman.
Open Photograph Competition, Historical - Portraits of Boroondara taken 1985 to 2016, Second Prize: Michael Scott, ‘On our way to the big day’, February 2013.
Artist statement: Princess Street and Molesworth Street, Kew: While sitting in the back seat of this vintage wedding car I couldn't help snapping this journey back to the 1950s. I was lucky enough to ride around in this beautifully restored Armstrong Siddeley all day, with the bridal party of course. The chauffeur handled the heavy non-power-steering very smoothly. It was very classy indeed, and they never once broke character!
Judges’ comments: A beautiful photo with vibrant, high contrasting colours. This is great illustration of a significant journey through Kew.
Artist statement: Princess Street and Molesworth Street, Kew: While sitting in the back seat of this vintage wedding car I couldn't help snapping this journey back to the 1950s. I was lucky enough to ride around in this beautifully restored Armstrong Siddeley all day, with the bridal party of course. The chauffeur handled the heavy non-power-steering very smoothly. It was very classy indeed, and they never once broke character!
Judges’ comments: A beautiful photo with vibrant, high contrasting colours. This is great illustration of a significant journey through Kew.
Open Photograph Competition, Historical - Portraits of Boroondara taken 1985 to 2016, Third Prize: Elisabeth Frank, ‘Lolly pop lady’, c. 1990.
Artist statement: Glenferrie Road, near St Joseph’s School. Permission was given to take this portrait during a photo workshop with "photographer-in-residence", Wendy Rew. It was a Hawthorn project.
Judges’ comments: Excellent composition, having the figure diagonal from the traffic lights creates visual interest. Great tonal variety that emphasises the shape of the traffic light and further breaks up the composition effectively.
Artist statement: Glenferrie Road, near St Joseph’s School. Permission was given to take this portrait during a photo workshop with "photographer-in-residence", Wendy Rew. It was a Hawthorn project.
Judges’ comments: Excellent composition, having the figure diagonal from the traffic lights creates visual interest. Great tonal variety that emphasises the shape of the traffic light and further breaks up the composition effectively.
Open Photograph Competition, Boroondara Today - Portraits of Boroondara taken 2017 to 2020, First Prize: Elisa Rough, ‘Paediatrician in PPE’, April 2020.
Artist statement: Surrey Hills Paediatric Clinic: Dr Elisa Rough wearing personal protective equipment to examine a baby during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
Judges’ comments: An excellent commemoration to health workers during COVID-19. The use of the 'selfie' is effective and reflects the prevalent phone photography practices of this era.
Artist statement: Surrey Hills Paediatric Clinic: Dr Elisa Rough wearing personal protective equipment to examine a baby during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
Judges’ comments: An excellent commemoration to health workers during COVID-19. The use of the 'selfie' is effective and reflects the prevalent phone photography practices of this era.
Open Photograph Competition, Boroondara Today - Portraits of Boroondara taken 2017 to 2020, Second Prize: Amy Wise, ‘Young and old outside Maranoa’, 30 March 2020.
Artist statement: My daughter Matilda Wise, 15, is outside one of Melbourne's best kept secrets, Maranoa Botanic Gardens. She's standing in front of one of our favourite trees, an old gnarled river red gum. She needed a break from her online studies, so we went for a walk through this botanic treasure.
Matilda studies in Boroondara, at MLC (year 10). She'd recently started online learning, after the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic.
Judges’ comments: Skilful use of foreground with a crisp focus in contrast to the blurred background. Really interesting light with the background bright, and the tree in spotlight. An excellent portrait of two locals, the young woman and the tree.
Artist statement: My daughter Matilda Wise, 15, is outside one of Melbourne's best kept secrets, Maranoa Botanic Gardens. She's standing in front of one of our favourite trees, an old gnarled river red gum. She needed a break from her online studies, so we went for a walk through this botanic treasure.
Matilda studies in Boroondara, at MLC (year 10). She'd recently started online learning, after the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic.
Judges’ comments: Skilful use of foreground with a crisp focus in contrast to the blurred background. Really interesting light with the background bright, and the tree in spotlight. An excellent portrait of two locals, the young woman and the tree.
Open Photograph Competition, Boroondara Today - Portraits of Boroondara taken 2017 to 2020, Third Prize: Jennifer Green, ‘Father and Son’, 17 February 2020.
Artist statement: This photo was taken at Gordon Barnard Reserve, Balwyn North. I was busy photographing the beautiful old oak tree while my daughter, son and husband played at the playground next to it. It was late afternoon and the light under the tree was special. My husband and son came to see what I was doing. My son has just turned three and is very curious. My husband got him up in the tree with him. This moment is the first time in his young life that he climbed a tree.
Judges’ comments: Very interesting composition and use of shapes. The fact we can't see the boys’ faces makes us question what portraiture is. We get a great sense of what they are exploring and the fun they're having, a great achievement.
Artist statement: This photo was taken at Gordon Barnard Reserve, Balwyn North. I was busy photographing the beautiful old oak tree while my daughter, son and husband played at the playground next to it. It was late afternoon and the light under the tree was special. My husband and son came to see what I was doing. My son has just turned three and is very curious. My husband got him up in the tree with him. This moment is the first time in his young life that he climbed a tree.
Judges’ comments: Very interesting composition and use of shapes. The fact we can't see the boys’ faces makes us question what portraiture is. We get a great sense of what they are exploring and the fun they're having, a great achievement.
Open Photograph Competition, Women of Boroondara - Portraits of amazing women of Boroondara: Elisa Rough, ‘Shirley in the Garden’, Good Friday 2020.
Artist statement: The photo was taken on Good Friday 2020, in the garden at Hedley Sutton, Canterbury Road, Camberwell. Shirley Lowthian, aged 95, has been an active community member, especially with her school community Strathcona in Canterbury.
Shirley is blessed with two children, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren and many beloved friends. For many years she has been involved with Holy Trinity Anglican Parish in Surrey Hills as well as the Hedley Sutton Community.
Look carefully and you will notice the Geelong Cats Teddy, her husband Jack was a Geelong football player.
Judges’ comments: A beautiful photo, very crisp, with lovely colours and pleasing composition. The subject's facial expression seems content and calm, as she enjoys this lovely peaceful moment in a park.
Artist statement: The photo was taken on Good Friday 2020, in the garden at Hedley Sutton, Canterbury Road, Camberwell. Shirley Lowthian, aged 95, has been an active community member, especially with her school community Strathcona in Canterbury.
Shirley is blessed with two children, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren and many beloved friends. For many years she has been involved with Holy Trinity Anglican Parish in Surrey Hills as well as the Hedley Sutton Community.
Look carefully and you will notice the Geelong Cats Teddy, her husband Jack was a Geelong football player.
Judges’ comments: A beautiful photo, very crisp, with lovely colours and pleasing composition. The subject's facial expression seems content and calm, as she enjoys this lovely peaceful moment in a park.
Exhibition and official opening photography
Browse the exhibition and official opening by scrolling through the image carousel below.
Installation view of Community Exhibition ‘Portraits of Boroondara’ at Town Hall Gallery, January 2021. Photography by Christian Capurro.
Installation view of Community Exhibition ‘Portraits of Boroondara’ at Town Hall Gallery, January 2021. Photography by Christian Capurro.
Installation view of Community Exhibition ‘Portraits of Boroondara’ at Town Hall Gallery, January 2021. Photography by Christian Capurro.
Installation view of Community Exhibition ‘Portraits of Boroondara’ at Town Hall Gallery, January 2021. Photography by Christian Capurro.
Installation view of Community Exhibition ‘Portraits of Boroondara’ at Town Hall Gallery, January 2021. Photography by Christian Capurro.
Visitors at the official opening of Community Exhibition ‘Portraits of Boroondara’, Town Hall Gallery, 2021. Photography by ImagePlay.
Visitors at the official opening of Community Exhibition ‘Portraits of Boroondara’, Town Hall Gallery, 2021. Photography by ImagePlay.
Visitors at the official opening of Community Exhibition ‘Portraits of Boroondara’, Town Hall Gallery, 2021. Photography by ImagePlay.
Visitors at the official opening of Community Exhibition ‘Portraits of Boroondara’, Town Hall Gallery, 2021. Photography by ImagePlay.
Visitors at the official opening of Community Exhibition ‘Portraits of Boroondara’, Town Hall Gallery, 2021. Photography by ImagePlay.