Known for her unique work with The Real Deal Photography, Pip acknowledged that judging the entries was a difficult task.

"This exhibition was a huge honour to judge because the talent on display here is simply amazing," she said. 

"It was inspiring to see so many great images all at the one time. So speaking to all of the entrants, I'll simply say kudos and thank you for sharing your work. I know it is not an easy thing to do."

From the devastating beauty of the aftermath of the Tingha fires to intimate black and white portrait pieces to arresting images of sleeping lions; the exhibition explores the wide scope of visual language.

But it was the piece submitted by first time entrant, 23-year-old Alexander Dimmock; simply depicting a man carrying his dog in an English moor, which was Pip's personal favourite and the Grand Champion image.

"As soon as I laid eyes on it, it drew me in. The mood, the gentle movement and the moment that is captured is captivating," she said.

"It left me wanting to know more about the man and the dog. And the fact that they share the same expression is perfection."

Alexander also won the open section for his piece Clock at Musee d'Orsay.

His mother Lisa Frost, who accepted the prizes on his behalf, said the win came as a shock. 

"He just took some photos overseas," she said.

"We didn't realise they were that good."

Alexander was equally surprised, and said that although he'd developed an interest in different styles of photography, he'd never thought to enter his work into a competition before. 

He said the Man & Dog was taken while he was wandering through a national park in England with his friends, close by the man's home.

"I was just lucky to take it when I did," he said.

Kathryn Rorke, who took out the second prize in the landscape section for her piece Full Moon, was pleased to share the moment with her daughter in law Stacey Wilkinson, who came second and third in the people and portrait section, behind Anthony Dale's Vermeer's Seamstress at Window.

Last year's Grand Champion Michele Jedlicka continued to impress in the open section, taking out second with her image Botticelli Redux. Hans Mouthaan had a successful evening, winning the landscape and animal world sections with Glascow and Peacock and coming second in botanical world with Spring.

Up and coming talent included junior photographer winner Madison Carse along with Eli King and Mikeely Kent, who won first and second prize respectively in the teen section. 

Around 80 people enjoyed the opening of the exhibition, which was officially conducted by Inverell Shire mayor Paul Harmon, who also presented the winners with their prize money.

"Congratulations to everyone involved with this wonderful exhibition. I hope you all enjoy taking in these fantastic images and appreciating them as much as I did," Pip said.