Snapper’s panoramas lauded

Capturing Albany in mesmerising photos has landed Dougal Topping among the top 50 entrants in the Epson International Pano Awards.

More than 5000 entries were submitted in four categories — each dedicated to celebrating the craft and art of panoramic photography.

Not only were Topping’s photos named in the top 50, he also received silver awards on some of his images, one of which was only one point off a gold award.

Topping said it was an honour to be named among some of the world’s most talented photographers.

“It was a total surprise and a humbling experience as I wasn’t aiming for it,” he said.

“I just wanted to do better than last year’s results, which were also a milestone. Every time you’re judged by your peers and receive some sort of recognition is a milestone.”

The winning shots showcase some of Topping’s most cherished scenes — landscape, astronomy and storms.

“I try and capture or create a mood, not just a scene,” he said.

“The first shot in the top 50 is titled Swept, and the second one, which was also awarded silver, is titled Isolated and these were both taken at Mobile Dunes at Two Peoples Bay.

“I love the isolation you can feel when among (the dunes), and the wind blowing the sand all over you — you feel like you’re in a sand blaster, which creates challenges in itself.”

This is the third time he has entered the worldwide panorama competition.

This year, more than 70 countries were represented by more than 1300 different photographers.

Winning images and entrants can be found online at thepanoawards.com.