“While the competition has now closed for entries, we understand that some people were given later closing times. If you’re one of this people, please contact the competition’s Creative Director Michael Lockwood at info@outfromthemist.com for details on how to lodge your submission."

Out From the Mist is about mental illness, but is also about so much more. Individuals facing challenges to their mental wellbeing are varied in their experiences and their responses. This competition hopes to capture the breadth of that diversity, from the experiences of pain and suffering, caring and empathy for loved ones, through to the elation of conquering obstacles. All stories are valid and welcome: the competition aims to showcase the strengths and the travails, the joyous moments and the sad, of those who directly or indirectly confront the challenges of mental illness.

Entering is easy, and you don’t need to be a highly skilled photographer with lots of expensive gear. We’re interested in the story that you have to tell, so entries should comprise your photo and a brief description (up to 2000 characters).

Prizes include:

• First prize courtesy of Affinity Photo is $3,650 (AUD) and licenses for Affinity Photo, Affinity Design and Affinity Publisher.
• Second Prize, courtesy of CameraPro, is $1,000 and a $500 voucher.
• Four prizes of $1,000 each to the next best four photos, and
• Six prizes of Affinity Photo editing software.

You can enter as many times as you wish, entering either a single photo or a group of four. Full-fee entries are $20 for one photo and $45 for four or, if you identify as being on a low income or have a discount code from an organisation partnering with us, there is a 40% discount. More info here: http://www.outfromthemist.com.

Voucher code:

If you self-identify as being on a low income then you can use this code for a 40% discount:

   OM01-1N6ZM    

Copy it now to use at check-out.
This is an honour system, and we trust that it won’t be misused.

Entries will be judged for how well they communicate your story from one or more of the following perspectives.

• Lived Experience. Mental illness encompasses a range of disorders, some transient, others chronic, each is a personal story of lived experience. Photos can be based on a wide range of emotions and representations, reflecting the diversity of people’s experiences.

• Relationships. Mental illness not only effects those experiencing it, but also those close to them. Photos can be based on the experiences of the individual, or those close to them.

• Recovery. Many people recover fully or partially from mental illness, and live fulfilling and meaningful lives. Photos celebrate recovery and wellness or feature the pathways to recovery.

• Change. Despite progress in recent years, the one in five Australians experiencing mental illness still face challenges. Photos will give us images about society’s future, and how mental wellbeing is addressed in that future.

Jurors

Steve Parish
Steve is a passionate and highly motivational speaker and one of few Australian photographers who can look back over fifty-seven years of photography working across a vast range of social and natural history subjects

Mick Reid
Mick is well known as a leader in our health system for over three decades. Mick has worked as a consultant for the World Health Organization on numerous projects

Dr Victoria Gardens-Williams
Victoria is a Lecturer in Visual Arts within the Creative Industries Faculty at the Queensland University of Technology. She has an extensive background in art education that includes significant contributions to Arts and Education Policy and curriculum in Australia