A Tassie vote needed

Since our launch nearly three years ago, Stuart Gibson’s stunning surf portolios have been among the most viewed features on Leatherwood Online. The young photographer’s dedication to his vocation is now beginning to pay off, and he can do with a little help.

He’s in the running to win the 2006 Nescafé Big Break competition.

Stuart is already one of six finalists and needs your vote to help him win the big one.

These six were amongst over 4000 young Australians and New Zealanders who entered, and from only 400 who were chosen to go on to the next round.

The 400 semi-finalists were then asked to put together a comprehensive submission about their idea, and this time they could send in anything they wanted. 14 people were chosen from these entries, to come to Sydney and make a presentation to a panel of judges.

The judging took place over two days in Sydney. The final 14 each made a half hour presentation to the judging panel, which includes past winners.

Eight runners up received a $4000 prize and six winners were selected (among them Tasmania’s Stuart Gibson), who each won AUD$15,000 to help them realise their dream or ambition.

Check out Stuart’s portfolios on Leatherwood Online. Shipstern Bluff I and Shipstern Bluff Portfolio II.

As Stuart says, “I’m 100% self-taught and truly go to extremes to get a photo. Tasmanian has such harsh coasts and seas. Surfing, let alone photography, is never easy.

“After chasing the surf and other intense sports all my life its taken its toll on my body with a list of injuries a mile long, my two broken legs in six months was the biggest life changer; this is when I first picked up a camera and found a new career path.

“Photography has become my life’s passion and I’m dedicated to making my dream happen. I’ve just designed a revolutionary 270-degree camera that will allow me to take my best photos ever.”

And you can see more of his photography on his own web site.

The Nescafé Big Break has been inspiring young people to achieve their dreams for 17 years.

So go to the Big Break web site and have a vote.

As well as helping someone else realise their dream, all voters will be in the running to win a $1,000 Mini Big Break each day for their own ideas.

Voting is open until October 31.

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