A dramatic photo, taken by Nick Davison, Wanaka, has won Merino NZ Inc's "A day in the life of a merino" photography competition.

Nick Davison, manager of Gimmermore Farm, took the photo whilst snow-raking on Dingle Burn Station, at the head of Lake Hawea, in May this year.

"We were helicoptered in to retrieve stock after an unexpected snowfall. We were at 4,500ft, and because of the snow we could reach areas that are normally too steep. I came upon this mob of merinos during the course of the day. I always carry my camera when working in spectacular places like Dingle Burn", says Davison.

The judges chose this winning photo for its dramatic presentation, and its technical expertise. The shot showed superb composition and balance with excellent detail of the sheep, snow and rocks.

Second place was awarded to Angus Rowley, Lake Hawea, for a photo showing sheep, hill tops and tussock, dogs and musterer, taken during a wether muster on Lake Hawea Station.

The judges commented that this shot was a superb advertisement for the merino industry - the photo telling a complete story.

Third prize was awarded to David Aubrey, with a well captured photo of a bunch of wethers being pushed through Forest Creek near the Ben Mcleod Range.

The judges were highly complimentary of the artistic merit of this shot, showing mood, movement and drama, in a situation which would have been difficult to capture effectively.

Aubrey is a keen photographer, who is currently developing his own website to promote his photography, www.davidaubreyphotography.com.

Overall, the competition attracted over 70 entries, with the judges being impressed at the standard of entries, with the top 10 percent being good enough to place in any photography competition. There were also a number of superb entries that did not fit the title of the competition.

The Merino Inc Board will choose one image from the entries received, to become the new homepage image for the Inc website, and a selection of the entries will be placed on the website for everyone to enjoy.

Merino Inc thanks those keen photographers that entered.

More information:

Jo Jermyn - Communications Manager, Merino Inc 027 243 7551
Nick Davison - winner of competition, 03 443 1858
Angus Rowley - 2nd place, 03 443 5766
David Aubrey - 3rd place, 03 696 3747