Trinity Anglican College student Issy Kelly recently took out first prize in the Dreamfields photography competition and won the chance to exhibit her work.

“I saved up for my camera for my 11^th birthday, and was so excited to try it out and get some great shots,” she said. “My school newsletter advertised the details of the Dreamfields competition, so I decided to enter some of my best photos.”

Run by teacher Craig Dent, Dreamfields is an annual program which aims to showcase the musical, creative writing and photographic talents of the Border’s youth.

Dent said Issy had an artistic eye beyond her years and he had been surprised during judging to discover her age.

“She’s captured Bethanga Bridge and Hume Dam in a way you wouldn’t normally see,” he said.

“It brings a really new perspective, you would not expect a 12-year-old viewing the world at night like this.”

Issy used time-lapse photography to depict the Border in a ghost-like state.

Dreamfields also features a supporting exhibition by CSU student Bethany Linquist, who illustrated a recent book by Nicolla Christie, Confessions of Melancholic.

The free event starts at 7pm at the Elvery Gallery in Chiltern and will run for a month. Dent said anyone from the community wanting to enjoy some photography and music should come along.

For more information, visit facebook.com/dreamfieldsfestivalthurgoona.