Stunning self-portrait takes top prize for Through the Lens 2025

A South Australian photographer has gone to great lengths, baring all on top of a cliff on the Yorke Peninsula, to scoop top honours in the 2025 Seniors Card Through the Lens photographic competition.

^{Judge's Choice winner, Paolo DeOliveira posing with his winning image 'Rebirth no.6'.}

The image titled ‘Rebirth no.6’ was taken by Seniors Card member, Paulo DeOliveira, at West Cape in the wild and wonderful Innes National Park.

The photo merges long exposure landscape photography with a vulnerable self-portrait triggered with a hidden remote.

Judges’ chose the winner from over 670 images as the Judge’s Choice for 2025.

^{Judge Lance Peters (Diamonds Camera, Video and Digital) presenting Paolo with his prize.}

Judge Lance Peters representing Diamonds Camera, Video and Digital said, “This image ticks all the boxes for what the judges were looking for. The idea to attempt something different with the merging of a self-portrait with a landscape is an inspired if not challenging idea.

“A great image will make you feel something, tell a story, and ask questions. This image does all of that. Congratulations Paulo!”

Through the Lens is Office for Ageing Well’s annual photographic competition for Seniors Card members, recognising and showcasing the skills and creativity of older South Australians.

^{Left to right: Keaton Sutherland (on behalf of Jennifer Reeves), Paolo DeOliveira, Jenny Escots (on behalf of Kay Hargrave), Minister Nat Cook, Kim Peterson and Adrian Barnes.}

Celebrating International Day of Older Persons and South Australia’s Week of Ageing Well, winners in six categories were announced at an exclusive launch at the City Library held on Thursday 2 October. They include:

Judge's Choice Award & Portrait winner - Paulo DeOliveira - Rebirth no.6
Artistic photography winner - Adrian Barnes - Daisy Spirit
Landscape and nature winner - Kim Petersen - Mouse for Lunch
Active ageing winner - Kay Hargrave - Ageing Utterly Disgracefully
Meaningful connections winner - Jennifer Reeves - Father and Son

Finalists’ and winners’ images will feature in the Through the Lens exhibition at the City Library, Rundle Mall throughout October.

Congratulations to all finalists for their captivating submissions. Thank you to our sponsors, Atkins Photo Lab, Diamonds Camera, Video and Digital and Claymore Wines who make Through the Lens possible.

For more information on Through the Lens and to view the winning and shortlisted photos, visit www.seniorscard.sa.gov.au.

2025 Through the Lens winners