Photography

Capture the moment forever. Tell your story through photography.

2026 Photography Titles

The descriptions in italics are just starting points. Feel free to explore and interpret each topic in your own unique way—creativity and originality are encouraged!

• Animals in Nature - photograph animals in their natural environment, without human interference.

• Close Encounters: Macro Photography of Nature's Details – zoom in on nature’s tiny textures and patterns—like leaves, bark, or insects.
• Carbon Catchers – trees, moss, seaweed—capture nature’s carbon catchers.
• Patterns in Nature: Discovering Hidden Designs - sapture images of natural patterns, such as the symmetry of flowers or the spiral of a snail shell, emphasizing their beauty and function.
• Against the Odds: Plants in Tough Places - photograph plants growing in surprising or resilient places.
• Everyday Climate Solutions – photograph people using or creating ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—like cycling, composting, using clean energy, or designing something sustainable. Your caption should explain the science behind how this action helps reduce CO₂ or supports a healthier planet.
• Nature's Architects - snap webs, nests, shells or hives—nature’s own construction.
• Water Works - photograph water in motion—rain, rivers, droplets or waves.
• Life at Ground Level - explore what’s happening at soil level—bugs, fungi, sprouts or roots.
• Wind at Work - show the wind in action - moving leaves, flags or flying kites.
• From the Shadows - photograph life in low light, shade, or early morning sun.

A successful SASTA Oliphant Science Awards Photography entry:

• HAS A STRONG SCIENCE MESSAGE AND ACCURATE SCIENCE CONTENT.
• Will communicate ideas clearly, each photograph expressing a single idea within the topic chosen.
• Will contain good quality photographs.
• Will have the photographs displayed effectively.
• Will show creativity and originality.

Rules for Photography:

• The photographs must be on one of the titles listed above.
• A group of up to 3 students can complete a Photography entry. The highest year level in the group will determine the year category of the entry.
• The photography and ideas expressed must be the student’s own work.
• The photography can be either black and white or colour.
• A maximum of six photographs / images can be used per entry.
• Each photograph must be no larger than 25 cm x 20 cm.
• The photographs must be mounted on a single sheet of lightweight card no larger than 51 cm x 65 cm. No corflute, glass, wood or other heavy frame or backing is permitted.
• The entry must be flat (no three-dimensional material attached).
• Each photograph must have a caption or short statement, linking it to the title.
• All production work must be done by the student including any special effects or manipulation (Commercial developing may be used).
• Any type of camera may be used.
• You must include a written statement which includes;
  • The make and model of the camera used.
  • The developing / editing / printing process used.
  • Any special effects or manipulations used.
  • Acknowledgment of any help or any AI tools used, in line with the Oliphant Science Awards AI Policy.
  • As a guideline, a statement of around 100 words is suggested.

Rules for photographing animals:

• When photographing in a natural setting, ensure that you eliminate any impact that your presence has on the subject and its surrounding environment.
• You must not do anything to injure or distress an animal or damage its habitat in an attempt to secure an image.

In presenting your photography entry:

• You must attach your written statement about the camera and processing to the back of the entry.
• You must securely attach your Identification Label (your Coordinator will give you this label) to the back of your entry.

Photography from a judge's perspective

Posted by Oliphant Science Awards on 15 Apr 2021

by Elizabeth Anderson, Mitcham Girls High School Over the years of involvement with the Photography section of the Oliphant Science Awards I have been lucky enough to have judged work from Years 2...  more...

Photography Perspectives & Trade Secrets

Posted by Oliphant Science Awards on 30 Jul 2020

Are you trying to get the best shot for your Photography entry?  Check out the videos below for some tips from Oliphant Science Awards entrants Toby Trenwith and Josephine Oehler in 'Photography Perspectives'...  more...