And Then It Happened: The Award That Changed Everything
Early in 2025, I was casually scrolling through Facebook — you know, as you do — when I came across an ad for an upcoming photography competition in Arrowtown. I don’t know what it was exactly, but something in me just clicked. I felt a pull. I sat with it for a little while, contemplating whether or not to enter. The fear of not winning crept in pretty quickly (hello, imposter syndrome), but honestly, the idea of getting out there with my camera, exploring, creating — that excited me more. Win or not, it felt like a good excuse for an adventure. A win-win, right?
Fast forward a few weeks later, I was at work when I got a phone call from one of the event organisers. I was stoked — I’d been selected as one of the finalists! That alone already felt like such a huge win. When they invited me to the prizegiving night, I didn’t think much of it. I had this gut feeling it wasn’t going to be me, and honestly, I was genuinely grateful just to be part of it. To have my photo recognised in that way? That was enough.
April 26th, 1800hrs — my partner and I were walking (anxiously, mind you) through Arrowtown’s charming little centre. We were dressed up, nervous, and starving, so we made a pit stop at Night ‘n Day for some cheap, easy dinner. Priorities, right?
As we got closer to the Lake District Museum — the venue for the prizegiving — we saw a long queue of people already lining up. The crowd was big, and for someone with social anxiety like me, it was a lot. So we sat on a bench outside and waited until most of them had gone inside. Eventually, it was our turn. The moment we walked in, I felt this wave of nerves wash over me. It was packed. We grabbed a drink and mingled a little, but I was starting to feel the buzz of overstimulation.
So, I told my partner the plan: “Once everyone’s eyes are on the speaker, we’ll quietly sneak to the back so I can have a little solo moment with my photo on the wall.” Mission accomplished. I even have proof — a sneaky snap of me living my best awkward wallflower life in front of my photo. 😂
They called my name. I had WON!
The overall winner. Not just my category — the whole thing.
For a split second, everything blurred. My partner looked at me, eyes wide, and all I could do was laugh in disbelief. I walked up to accept the award still feeling like it wasn’t real. I was shaking. I might’ve blacked out for a few seconds, to be honest. But I’ll never forget that feeling — of being seen, of being celebrated, of something I created connecting deeply enough to be chosen. Dreams do come true!
Not always in the way we expect, and definitely not always on our timeline. But they do.
This award changed something in me. It wasn’t just about the recognition — it was the validation that I was on the right path. That saying yes to myself, even when I was scared, was the right call. That following that little spark I felt back in January was more than enough.
To anyone reading this who's hesitating to take the leap — enter the comp, share your art, try the thing, whatever it is — let this be your sign. You never know what might happen.
I sure didn’t.
And then it happened — and I’ll never forget it.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Arrowtown Autumn Festival organisers and the Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association for hosting such a wonderful event. Special thanks to the judges, Todd Weeks and Leigh Jeffery, for recognising my work.
With so much gratitude,
Hazel
