Congratulations to the winners of the FlyLife Topshot Photo Competition 2022.
Thank you to everyone who entered and supported this season’s competition. We received a fantastic array of entries.
It was wonderful to see so many people out and about enjoying fly fishing and providing such a broad cross-section of perspectives on the sport.
Prizes
Winners will receive a fantastic array of prizes from our sponsors Mayfly Tackle, Aussie Fly Fisher, Orvis, Scientific Anglers and Hanak. Scroll below the winning entries for details.
And the winners are…
1ST PLACE
Chris Schrueder – “Trutta meets Goodoo”
Ashbourne, Australia
I wanted to create a photo that spoke about modern Australian fly fishing. About the relationship between introduced trout and indigenous fish that have been here a lot longer. About the traditional trout fly fishing method brought here by the English and the pursuit of native species on fly which is more recent. About my love of both displayed by tattooing a brown trout to my arm but at the same time fly fishing for Murray cod. Old school meets new school. Colonial England meets indigenous Australia.
2ND PLACE
Cruz Scott – “Breakdown”
Gisborne, New Zealand
My dad (Cory Scott) took me out fishing but when we got to the river it was flooded and brown water, so we were driving home and dad’s car lost all the power and it wouldn’t go. I was scared, but dad said everything will be ok, that he had two sleeping bags and a light that will last all night, and we would be ok.
Dad ran to a farmers house and called mum who was working and couldn’t pick us up till midnight, so dad said it would be rude not to fish, so we walked down to the waterfall that he and mum got married at. I was videoing dad for some pocket money but when he got this cool brown I wanted to take a photo with the waterfall behind. – Cruz Scott 10 years old.
3RD PLACE
Brenda Galey – “Dun”
Alexandra, Australia
I just had to put my rod down and get an image of the most famous critter in Tassie (well for we anglers anyway)!
RUNNER UP
Martin Christensson – “Cold start of the season”
Gothenburg, Sweden
First of April is our opening day for sea run brown trout where I live on the west coast around Gothenburg, Sweden. Some year it can be very cold and it could be ice in the bays. Usually it is the best places to fish is in and around bays with dark bottom, sun warming up the surface water and if you put a fly with colors of orange and pink you can hit jackpot.
RUNNER UP
Andrew Harding – “A beautiful paddle”
Wellington, New Zealand
The engine of a fresh run Tongariro rainbow, magnificent bars of chrome that take to the air with regularity once hooked, a year-round fishery so under-utilised by anglers.
RUNNER UP
Herlé Hamon – “Gold release”
Villefranche de Lauragais, France
I was fishing on Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth and caught this big golden trevally, it was too hot for me this day so I took the camera I have in my water proof housing and jumped in the water to shoot the release and cold down a bit.
The FlyLife Topshot Photo Competition celebrates fly fishing photography in all its glorious forms. Landscapes, trophy shots, macro images, still life and portraits all have powerful roles in telling great FlyLife stories throughout the years.
Now it’s your turn to get your camera out in the field and find that special composition in a fly fishing setting. With an esteemed panel of judges to select the top shots, this is your opportunity to have your photo run in FlyLife, one of the most respected fly fishing magazines in the world for its quality of writing and imagery for over 25 years.
So what are you waiting for, start shooting today and get your entries in!
Complete an Entry Form.
All entries must be received by the Entry Deadline 11:59pm AEST on Sunday 27th February 2022.
Prizes
Our sponsors Mayfly Tackle, Aussie Fly Fisher and FlyLife are putting up some fantastic prizes.
Orvis Helios 3 Fly Rod
Accurate from anywhere, Helios 3 fly rods are designed to deliver perfect casts with easy distance and seamless control for delicate mends.
Prize includes choice of Orvis Helios 3 fly rod range – subject to availability.
Aussie Fly Fisher Trip Cape York or Tasmania
Tackle the remote river systems of Cape York in this iconic part of Northern Australia, chasing large anak permit and hard fighting barramundi or head south to the remote natural landscape of Tasmania’s interconnected lakes, rivers and creeks, a beautiful place to chase brown trout.
4 nights and 3 days guided fly fishing – for two people, with your choice of destination. Valued up to $5,000.
Booking subject to availability. Not transferable. Flights not included.
3 years subscription to FlyLife Magazine, plus FlyLife merchandise.
Orvis Hydros Reel
Refined, light weight large arbor fly reel. Fully sealed drag & zero start-up inertia.
Choose preferred size and colour from Matte Black or Matte Silver.
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth
Featuring the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability.
Choose preferred weight from – Trout, Anadro/Nymph, Infinity Salt, Titan Long, Grand Slam or Bonefish subject to availability.
2 years subscription to FlyLife Magazine, plus FlyLife merchandise.
Scientific Anglers Amplitude with AST Plus
Featuring the revolutionary AST PLUS slickness additive, the Amplitude series will shoot farther and last longer.
Choose from – Infinity, MPX, Trout, Anadro/Nymph, Tropical Titan, Grand Slam, Bonefish, Tarpon or Big Water Taper
Hanak Competition Barbless Hooks
The exceptional innovative design of Hanak hooks increases the efficiency of strike and landing of fish.
10 packets of Hanak Competition Barbless Hooks – winners choice of style and size.
1 year subscription to FlyLife Magazine, plus FlyLife merchandise.
Entry
Amateur and professional photographers can enter. You may enter as many times as you like, however, only one of your shots can be selected as a finalist so select your entries with care. This is a competition of skill, not chance, so entering many times does not increase your chance of winning, it’s all about selecting your absolute best.
All you need to do is fill out an Entry Form for each entry, attach your photo and accompanying details, and agree to the Rules and Conditions of the competition. It’s that easy.
All entries must be received by the Entry Deadline 11:59pm AEST on Sunday 27th February 2022.
Judging
Our expert judging panel will select six finalists, from all entries received.
The criteria are subjective and will include:
- composition
- lighting
- technical skill
- uniqueness of the overall photograph
- relevance to fly fishing in Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific and surrounds
The finalists will be announced via social media on Thursday 3rd of March 2022.
Winners
1st, 2nd and 3rd prize will be selected from the 6 finalists by the judges and FlyLife Magazine team.
Winners will also be announced via social media on Saturday 6th March 2022.
Prize winners will be notified directly.
Photographs
Digital images should:
- Have a longest dimension of at least 3,000 pixels and be saved at 300 dpi (Around 10″ or larger)
- Adobe RGB colour space
- Image files should be jpeg format – medium compression,
- No larger than around 6 megabytes to ensure a fast upload experience (max 12MB)
- RAW images will not be accepted
Photography Tips
If you are looking for some tips on how to shoot great fly fishing photos, be sure to check out Brad Harris’ Better Fishing Photography article.
Judging Panel
Our experienced judging panel are experienced photographers and fly fishers in their own right and are regular contributors to Flylife.
Click on the judges’ names below to view their profiles and top photography tips.
David Anderson’s music photography career has spanned nearly thirty years; from local pub bands to touring with the Rolling Stones and has shot dozens of record covers and tour posters. He’s worked for most mainstream Australian magazines and newspapers and many more from around the world. In portrait photography he’s posed up a huge collection of film stars, rock stars, pop princesses, divas, boy bands, super-models, not-so-super models, legends, wannabes and even the Queen. In fly fishing photography he has been a regular Flylife contributor since near the magazines start with numerous feature articles and six front covers.
More on David Anderson…
David’s Top Tip
“Fly fishing photography is always as much about the landscape as the fish and I think it’s very important to properly show off the surrounds when shooting.”
Since catching his first trout on fly at the age of 13, Josh has spent years travelling the globe in search of the best, and often most exotic, fly-fishing experiences.
Josh has fished in Argentina, Thailand, Exmouth, Slovenia, Spain, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Tasmania & Mongolia – with many more trips planned.
Closer to home, Josh is well-known for his knowledge of the Blue Mountains and Central West of NSW. Growing up in these areas, Josh has spent 20 years exploring the local streams and discovering its best kept secrets. Through his guiding service, Josh is passionate about seeing groups and individuals develop their skills in fly-fishing, and grow a love for the sport.
As a writer and photographer, he is a regular contributor to FlyLife Magazine as well as various other online editorials. Thousands have signed up for his daily updates through his social media presence, Aussie Fly Fisher, and journey with him in his travel and fly-fishing adventures.
More on Josh Hutchins…
Jess McGlothlin is happiest on the road in the gritty, far-off corners of the world. She sees her mission as a simple one: tell stories. Working as a freelance photographer and writer in the outdoor industry; while on assignment in the past years she’s learned how to throw spears at coconuts in French Polynesia, dodge saltwater crocodiles in Cuba, navigate uninvited sharks in Samoa, and document stand-up paddleboard first-descents on Peruvian Amazon tributaries. Based in southwestern Montana, she can usually be found trying to juggle a fly rod, a notebook, and a camera.
Lucky enough to start fly-fishing as soon as she could hold a rod, she spent an inordinate amount of time on the water as a toddler, a trend which has only continued as an adult. She’s worked in the fly-fishing industry around the United States and internationally, in capacities from lodge management to copywriter. As a freelance photographer, clients include Patagonia, Outside, Orvis, Costa Sunglasses, YETI, The New York Times,The Wall Street Journal and a host of other commercial and editorial enterprises.
Subject coverage ranges from Western rodeos to fly fishing far above the Arctic Circle in Russia. She has proven competence covering everything from international advertising campaigns to multi-day survival training sessions in remote, challenging environments to exploratory fishing trips. Her work has been featured in gallery shows in Russia, Germany, Israel and the States, and she has received international awards for both her writing and photography.
More on Jess McGlothlin…
Jess’ Top Tip
Develop your own style. The end goal is for someone to be flipping through the latest fishing magazine, lay eyes on one of your images and immediately know who shot it. A distinct shooting style sets you apart from your peers — and it’s something editors and commercial clients will look for. I’ve gotten some jobs because of my style, and had clients turn me down for others for the same reason. Sometimes it’s a good fit, other times it’s not, and that’s okay. Your own style is a personal decision; don’t just copy how someone else shoots. Experiment, see what feels right, and make it your own.
Take notes. So, you want to be a photographer… forget all that writing stuff. Okay. You should still pack a notebook and pen (or a phone with note-taking capabilities). Take notes — names, places, distances, fish habitat, funny phrases, quotes. Good, complete captions are key — editors will appreciate if you have the correct information, and plenty of it. Even if you’re just sharing images on social media with your friends, knowing the story behind the photos makes for much more engaging content.
Just shoot. So, you’re not flying halfway around the world to cover an exotic fishery. Grab a friend and head to your neighborhood river. Play with light, play with fish, play with moving your feet and capturing different angles. Just play. Shoot subjects other than just fishing. You’ll be amazed at some of the images that you come away with. The image below was the result of just that — playing. While on assignment at Alaska’s Bristol Bay Lodge, I made friends with several of the guides, telling stories and sharing ideas for interesting photos over the week to come. I left to photograph out-camps for a few days and when I arrived back at the lodge, the guys had created this “guide’s desk” in one of the boats, completely outfitted with accessories and a vise. We waited until soft, almost midnight light came around, then got into the boats, out on the lake and just played with it. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun — it usually pays off in your images.
Marcus Saunders is the Designer for FlyLife Magazine. As an Art Director in the advertising industry with 20+ years under his belt, he knows how to spot a good shot!
Marcus grew up on the banks of the St Patrick’s River in North-East Tassie and has always been mad about chasing trout. His love of fly fishing has spanned the globe, fishing in Ireland, Asia, New Zealand and North America. Catching rainbows in Oregon even inspired him to build a McKenzie River drift boat from Tassie Huon Pine.
Marcus is happiest in his boat with a camera and a fly rod in hand and the occasional cigar.
When he’s not laying out the pages of FlyLife, you might find him wandering the banks of the Tyenna River or drifting Little Pine Lagoon.
Marcus’ Top Tip
Nobody else sees the world the way you do. Trust your gut and shoot it how you see it.
Rules & Conditions
ORGANISERS
The “Organisers” of the FlyLife Topshot Photo Competition 2022 are FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd.
THE COMPETITION
The “Competition” is the FlyLife Topshot Photo Competition 2022 as defined in these Rules and Conditions.
SPONSORS
The “Sponsors” of the Competition are Mayfly Tackle, Aussie Fly Fisher and FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd.
TERM
The Competition starts when publicly announced and ends 11:59pm AEST on Sunday 27th February 2022 (the Entry Deadline).
FlyLife reserves the right to alter the Entry Deadline at its discretion during the competition.
WHO MAY ENTER
Employees and contractors of FlyLife Magazine, Competition Judges and their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses), are not eligible to enter or win a prize.
Entrants must be at least 18 years of age as of the date of entry, or have their parent or guardian’s explicit consent.
HOW TO ENTER
All entrants must register online using the Entry Form at https://flylife.com.au/flylife-photo-competition-2022-entry to register.
You may enter any number of entries but each entry must be submitted individually via the Entry Form.
Entries will not be accepted via any other submission form such as email, postal mail or in person.
Each Entry must consist of an entry form and a single image.
Each submitted photograph, in its entirety, must be a single work of original material taken by the Competition entrant. By entering the Contest, entrant represents, acknowledges and warrants that he or she has full power and authority to enter the photograph, and that the photograph does not infringe any copyright or violate any other intellectual property rights.
The entrant agrees to indemnify FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd and its representatives, including judges, sponsors and affiliates, from any and all third party claims arising from the photograph entered.
Photographs that include sculptures, statues, paintings, and other works of art will be accepted as long as they do not constitute copyright infringement or fraud.
If the Photograph includes other people, you must obtain a signed, written Photographic Consent & Release Form from all persons who appear in the Photograph submitted, authorizing use of the Photograph as provided below in “Third Party Releases/Licenses.” If you are unable to provide a release, in the form provided by FlyLife Magazine, then your entry may be disqualified.
The entries will be judged in accordance with the Judging criteria, as defined below. The photograph must not, in the sole and unfettered discretion of the FlyLife Magazine, contain obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit, or otherwise objectionable or inappropriate content. Photographs deemed inappropriate will be disqualified.
Online entries must be made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, internet domain owner, or other person or organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.
COMPETITION PRIZES
Prizes are specified on the competition page at https://flylife.com.au/flylife-photo-competition-2022.
FlyLife reserves the right to substitute prizes other than those specified to the equivalent value at its discretion.
JUDGING
Our expert judging panel will select six Finalists (the “Finalist”), from which 3 prizes winners will be chosen and announced via social media. Winners will be notified directly.
The criteria are subjective and will include composition, lighting, technical skill, along with the uniqueness of the overall photograph and relevance to fly fishing.
Sponsors reserve the right not to award all prizes in the event an insufficient number of eligible entries meet the minimum judging, as determined by FlyLife Magazine and Judges in their sole discretion.
The decision of the Judges and public Votes are final and binding.
ENTRANT LICENSES & RELEASES
If a photograph entered contains any material or elements that are not owned by the entrant and/or which are subject to the rights of third parties, and/or if any persons appear in the photograph, the entrant is responsible for obtaining, prior to submission of the photograph, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the exhibition and use of the photograph in the manner set forth in these Rules and Conditions without additional compensation. If any person appearing in any photograph is under the age of majority in their state/province/territory of residence the signature of a parent or legal guardian is required on each release.
By participating, ALL ENTRANTS grant FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd and their designees, licensees or affiliates (the “Authorized Parties”) a non-exclusive, worldwide license, through 29th February 2024, to reproduce, distribute, display and post the entries online so that viewers may view all Finalists and competing entries. In addition, each Finalist and Winners grant to the Authorized Parties a license for use of his/her entries in connection with the Competition and promotion of the Competition, in any media now or hereafter known, including but not limited to, print or digital publication in FlyLife Magazine showcasing the Winners; and promotions related to the Competition. Authorized Parties will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such use.
THIRD PARTY RELEASES/LICENSES
Winners and Finalists authorise FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the photograph entry in connection with the Competition, in any media now or hereafter known, including but not limited to: publication in FlyLife Magazine showcasing the Winners and Finalists; FlyLife website flylife.com.au; the Competition website and promotional sites; and in exhibits and promotions related to the Contest. Winners and Finalists authorize FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the photograph entry in connection with the promotion of the Contest for up to two (2) years from the announcement of Competition Winners.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
By participating, entrants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd, and each of their “Entities”, including but not limited to, respective sponsors, judges, partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, agents and their employees, officers, directors, and representatives from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Competition or any Competition related activities and promotion and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any prize awarded hereunder. FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd and associated Entities assume no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, or delay in operation or transmission; communications line failure; theft or destruction of or unauthorized access to Competition entries or entry forms; or alteration of entries or entry forms. FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd and associated Entities are not responsible for any problems with or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any e-mail entry to be received on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any Web site, human errors of any kind, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to entrants or any other persons computers related to or resulting from participation, uploading or downloading of any materials related to this Competition.
CONDITIONS
This Competition is subject to Australian federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Certain restrictions may apply. Entries are void if the FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd determines the entry to not be an original, or if the entries are illegible, incomplete, damaged, irregular, altered, counterfeit, produced in error or obtained through fraud or theft. Entrants agree (a) to be bound by these Rules and Conditions; (b) that the decisions of the Judges and public Votes are final on all matters relating to the Competition; and (c) if he/she wins that FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd and associated Entities may use each winner’s name, photograph, likeness, and/or voice in any publicity or advertising relating to the Competition or future promotions without compensation or approval. All federal, state and local taxes, fees and surcharges on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winners. In the event that the selected Winner(s) of any prize are/is ineligible or refuses the prize, the prize will be forfeited and FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd, in their sole discretion, may choose whether to award the prize to another entrant.
RIGHT TO CANCEL OR SUSPEND COMPETITION
If for any reason the Competition is not capable of running as planned, due to infection by computer virus, bugs, worms, trojan horses, denial of service attacks, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of organiser that corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Competition, FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to disqualify any individual(s) who tamper with the entry process, and/or to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Competition. If FlyLife Magazine Pty Ltd elects to cancel or terminate the Competition, any rights in the submitted photographs will not be retained.