The WOW factor

Byron Muir. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 236001_05

By Alesha Capone

Teenager Byron Muir says he enjoys seeing people’s different facial expressions while capturing portraits of them.

Muir, 18, said he began taking photos at the BMX track before becoming his school’s “unofficial photographer” backstage at student theatrical shows and other events.

Last year, Muir entered the Way Out West (WOW) Youth Photography Competition, which is presented annually by Wyndham’s council’s Youth Services and Library Services.

The competition is open to anyone aged between 12 and 25 years, who lives, works, goes to school or socialises in Wyndham.

Muir said he was “shocked and ecstatic” to win the Best Use of Colour category in last year’s WOW competition.

This year, Wyndham council has asked Muir to join the competition’s judging panel.

Muir said he was “super keen” to be part of judging panel, and see the types photos young people have captured as Wyndham emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

Entries to the 2021 WOW competition can be submitted at www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/wayoutwest before 4pm on Monday, May 31.

Prizes of $100 will be awarded across categories of including Best Landscape, Best Portrait. Best Black and White Image and Best Use of Colour, plus a $500 grand prize.