Sleeping seal photograph secures award for Macleans College student
Posted on July 25, 2025
Year 12 Macleans College student Thomas Hope (Rutherford House) has been awarded second place in the prestigious Alex Mao Youth Award for photography.
The award is part of the Auckland Photography Festival, New Zealand's leading international photographic event. The festival celebrates visual culture through a diverse and inclusive programme that supports and encourages local emerging photographers.
Judges praised Thomas’ work, commenting: ‘This image of a sleeping baby seal really stood out, the composition and depth are beautifully done, the colors are spot on, and the simplicity makes it incredibly captivating.’
Thomas received a cash prize, along with vouchers and photographic equipment to support his ongoing creative development.
