Texture and connection are two of the qualities that Damascus College student Luka Spoljaric finds fascinating about photography.
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And despite studying photography for little over a year, the year 11 has shown a depth of creativity that has seen him named as a finalist in a national photography award.
A stunning photograph of his aunt's face, highlighting the texture of years lived, caught the judges' eyes in the Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM) Photo Competition.
"I just really liked the texture in her face - that's something I really like, taking photos of people and their features.
"You also learn how to direct people more and it's good to be able to spend that time with people and capture a special part of them that sometimes other people don't see."
Luka only took up photography last year at the suggestion of his homeroom teacher and Damascus photography teacher Anne Griffin. He submitted a folio of three photographs, all highlighting texture, for the award.
"Texture is a term I have been familiar with for quite some time. Texture to me means looking for the little things in a big picture. I particularly like to look for the details in things that have been around for a while, and that's why I decided to explore texture through some older relatives, and an interesting-looking tree in my backyard," he wrote in his artist statement for the judging panel.
"While we can see from afar the wear and tear on some of the older things on this planet, getting up close and personal with a camera allows us to see this wear and tear in much greater detail. I don't see these cemented hardships of life as a bad thing, but instead a sign of a life well lived."
Despite his talent and creative eye, Luka says he's unlikely to make photography his career.
"It's not my primary focus, but definitely something I will keep in mind and continue experimenting with. It will always be there as an option. I'm in to drama so hoping to continue acting and see where that takes me."
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With most people carrying a camera on their mobile phone in their pocket or handbag, Luka is keen to point out that just taking pictures doesn't necessarily make someone a photographer.
"There's a lot of difference. It's a lot longer process to have an actual camera and be able to process that for weeks. So many hours go in to creating a perfect photo. It's not the same on a phone, it's not as special and you don't get that special connection with the model."
The winners of the ATOM awards will be announced on November 13.
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