A Noosa underwater photographer has been awarded two prestigious accolades at the Australian Photographic Prize, held annually in Melbourne.
Liz Harlin, a highly regarded master photographer and underwater portrait specialist, secured a Silver With Distinction for a powerful personal branding portrait of a disabled man, and a Silver award for her ethereal portrait of a mother with her daughters.
With more than 20 years of professional underwater photography experience, Liz’s expertise shines through in both of these client photoshoots.
The personal branding shoot of a disabled man, who had a water-skiing accident in his youth, was particularly inspiring.
Commissioned to create a portfolio of images highlighting different sides of his personality, the winning portrait conveys the nuanced message “free yourself from constraints“.
As a competent swimmer, he enjoys the liberating freedom of movement in water, which inspired his choice to do the shoot underwater.
Mark Hunter said, “I was stepping out of my comfort zone doing this, and was uncertain in a number of ways… somehow Liz got inside of my head and read what I was after“.
The mother-daughters photoshoot, inspired by Pre-Raphaelite art, showcases a dreamy underwater scene that celebrates the deep bond and love within the family.
This portrait was commissioned by a mother whose teenage daughters are ballet students training in Europe and were only home in Noosa for the holidays.
She wanted to celebrate their unique connection, resulting in a timeless and ethereal family portrait.
The mother, Mirdana Smith, said, “The photos Liz captured are truly pieces of beautiful artwork that our family treasures.“
Liz, whose work combines technical expertise with artistic vision, expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
“It’s an honour to have my work acknowledged at such a significant event,“ she said.
“These projects were close to my heart, and I’m thrilled that the images resonated with the judges.“
Liz’s private heated pool studio in Noosa provides a serene environment for clients to explore their stories in a unique and unforgettable way. Her award-winning work continues to push the boundaries of underwater portrait photography, blending creativity and storytelling.
For more information on Liz’s work and to view her portfolio, visit lizharlin.com
