Simon Ladd, Hydrophilia (BLACK & WHITE 2026)

So many people are drawn to water we invented a word for it. Coming from the driest state in the driest continent probably elevates the attraction. For us in South Australia, water can provide for our need for social interaction and relaxation, for peace and reflection, for adventure, and, for wonder as we marvel at its wild power. These four images tell us something about how we can relate to water. Water also provides the photographer with stunning reflective light to work with, which I have embraced through the treatment of contrast in bringing these images together.

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