How can a rainforest be protected in a fraction of a second? With a PHOTOGRAPH.

WORDS: Kristin Canning PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

One of the world’s leading rainforest protection organisations, Rainforest Rescue, is launching the first-ever global competition for rainforest photography with each entry contributing towards the protection of one square metre of rainforest habitat.

In partnership with two of Australia’s world-renowned photographers – Darren Jew and Jasmine Carey, and the four Major Sponsors of f-stop, Silky Oaks Lodge, Spell and Will & Bear, Rainforest Rescue have created the International Rainforest Rescue Canopy Photography Awards to shine the light on the need to protect rainforests worldwide.

Who knew that a Peter Dombrovskis’ photograph of Rock Island Bend would be credited with saving Tasmania’s Franklin River in the 1980s? This competition encourages entrants to use their camera for a positive purpose – and know that every photo can play a role in change – and in this case, in rainforest protection.

With judges including Steve Parrish OAM, Wayne Quillam, Juergen & Stella Freund, Madeleine Faught and Dr Robert Kooyman, entrants will compete across four categories – habitats, hidden gems, characters and reportage – for category prizes and an overall Grand Prize, valued in excess of $10,000. The global promotion is powered up by Partners Blue Frog Marketing, BioPak, Cairns Airport and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree.

There’s also a People’s Choice Vote, where the public will be able to choose the winner from the short-listed entries.
As our Rainforest Rescue CEO Branden Barber said recently:

“The International Rainforest Rescue Canopy Photography Awards creates a platform to promote the beauty and fragility of the Daintree Rainforest and its unique ecology and biodiversity. Inviting photographers to contribute their perspectives provides a richer tapestry upon which to focus our intentions for both the Daintree’s forever protection, as well as the protection of rainforests and rainforest creatures all over the world.’’ Branden Barber, Rainforest Rescue CEO

Entries for the Canopy Awards are open 1 – 31 March. For more information and to submit entries visit www.canopyawards.org

The Judging Panel
Entries will be judged by leading photography and ecology experts:
● Steve Parrish OAM, photographer, author and publisher
● Wayne Quillam, A. Professor and photographer
● Juergen & Stella Freund; wildlife photographer, documentary filmmaker
● Madeleine Faught (MSOCSC), Rainforest Rescue Chair and Director
● Dr Robert Kooyman, Rainforest Rescue Scientific Advisor

Judges full bios available here.
About Darren Jew
Darren is a Canon Master, 6 X Australian Professional Nature Photographer of the Year and featured in “Tales by Light” now showing on Netflix. He is also a Rainforest Rescue Ambassador and Awards convenor and is available for interviews about photography and its links to protecting rainforest, his association with Rainforest Rescue and at how the Canopy Awards is a way for photographers around the globe to help Protect Rainforests Forever.

Darren is available on: 0427 127 484.

About Rainforest Rescue
Rainforest Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation that has been protecting and restoring rainforests in Australia and internationally since March 1999: more here and Branden Barber our CEO is open for interviews also: 0455 255 398.
Other Contributors to these Awards Include:
● Walkabout Cultural Adventures
● Solar Whisperer
● Tegan Collingwood
● Naurita Briscoe
● Patagonia
● Magic of i
● Wandering Folk
● Naturally Driven

For further information on the awards or this release please contact:
Kristin Canning, Partnerships / 0402 057 711 / [email protected]