2023 Pix Competition is open! Photography enthusiasts, it's time to get snapping with Gloucester’s annual photography competition and exhibition now taking entries. To enter the competition check out the details and critera  Pix from the Stix is Gloucester's annual photography exhibition that celebrates the talents of budding and experienced photographers. Kickstarting in 2001, PIX has a range of categories for entrants 18 years and older, as well as an open section for juniors 17 years and under.

2023 Judge 

Gloucester’s annual photography competition, Pix from the Stix welcomes Forster photographer Shane Chalker as the judge for 2023.

Shane is a national and international award winning photographer with a passion for capturing the moods of the ocean and the animals that live within it. He had a unique upbringing next to the sea, growing up with his father being a lighthouse keeper. This amazing experience is where his love for the ocean and all its surroundings began. He spent the early years of his childhood at the Seal Rocks Lighthouse before the family moved into the Forster/Tuncurry region.

“Photography first started as a hobby for me, mainly capturing images of dolphins, sunsets and waves,” Shane explained. “It soon became a huge passion for me and I turned it into a career in 1999.”

HIs work involves shooting most styles of photography including commercial, portraits, weddings and real estate. But capturing images of the local coastline and its conditions is what he enjoys most. With a lifelong love for bodyboarding and passion for fishing, it was a natural progression for him to take his photography into the ocean, purchasing a water housing for his camera. He has made a name for himself as a surf photographer capturing the ever changing waves and those who ride them, as well as for his keen eye for capturing the sport of fishing.

In 2016, Shane branched out into videography working as a cameraman for the Australian fishing show, Reel Action, currently filming its 7th season.