Mike Launder, Ash & Light (LANDSCAPE 2026)

Captured in a pine forest near the Victorian town of Skipton shortly after recent bushfires, this image reflects the quiet stillness that follows devastation. The forest stood silent, the ground stripped bare, yet a soft glow on the horizon hinted at resilience and renewal. I wanted to convey not just the aftermath of fire, but the emotional weight of standing in a landscape caught between loss and recovery — where nature pauses before beginning again.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.