By Every year, the Plunge Festival lights up the Clarence Valley with colour, creativity and community spirit. But before the festival begins, one of its most-loved traditions takes centre stage: the In Focus Photography Competition.
This month, Clarence Valley Council’s own Sarah Nash stepped into the studio to share what makes this competition such an exciting opportunity for photographers across the region from professionals to phone snappers.
CAPTURING THE HEART OF THE VALLEY
Each year, the winning photograph becomes the cover image of the official Plunge Festival program seen across the region and beyond. Even better, all selected entries are showcased in a large-scale exhibition at the Grafton Regional Gallery.
If you saw last year’s exhibition, you’ll know just how breathtaking the display can be.
“Some of them are two metres by two metres—absolutely stunning.”
— Sarah Nash
The exhibition transforms everyday scenes of local life into immersive artworks, celebrating the people and places that make the Clarence Valley special.
HOW TO ENTER
The rules couldn’t be simpler:
Your photo must be taken in the Clarence Valley, preferably within the last 12 months. And it should capture what’s best about our community from sweeping river views to candid moments, iconic buildings to vibrant events.
“It just needs to capture the heart of the Clarence.”
And forget worrying about fancy equipment. The competition is completely camera-agnostic.
Accepted formats include:
- Phone photography
- Drones
- Compact cameras
- GoPros
- High-end DSLR or mirrorless cameras
As Sarah put it:
“There are so many amazing photos taken on phones now we accept every format.”
SUBMITTING YOUR SHOT
Entering is quick and easy.
HOW TO ENTER
- Visit the Clarence Valley Council website.
- Search “In Focus” to find the entry form.
- Upload your image.
- Add your name, contact details, and a title for your photo.
- Click submit done!
If you need extra help, you can also email:
[email protected]
11 January
(Plenty of time to take new shots or scroll your camera roll!)
WHAT YOU COULD WIN
Five prize winners will each take home $500, along with the pride of seeing their work featured across the Plunge Festival program and Gallery exhibition.
“Five hundred dollars and bragging rights not bad!”
The winners will be announced when the Plunge Festival program launches in late January or early February.
WHY YOUR PHOTO MATTERS
Whether it’s the mist lifting off the river, a bustling festival crowd, or a quiet moment on a backroad, your image helps tell the story of life in the Clarence Valley.
You don’t need to be a professional. You just need to see something beautiful.
So start snapping or dig into that camera roll.
Your next great shot may already be waiting.
LOOKING AHEAD: PLUNGE FESTIVAL 2026
The Plunge Festival kicks off in April, bringing music, art, performance, food, and community events to every corner of the Valley. The In Focus exhibition will be one of its most anticipated highlights.
