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Rene takes out photographer of the year award for second year running

Stunning: This photo by Benalla's Rene Martens received a Golden Camera Award in the wildlife and birdlife category. Photo by Rene Martens

Regular Ensign readers and those on Benalla’s social media pages will be more than aware of talented local photographer Rene Martens.

Rene was pleasantly surprised last week when Universe of Colour Photography (UCP) contacted him to let him know he was named Photographer of the Year for 2023 in its Golden Camera Awards.

Rene picked up the same accolade in 2022, and this year, he was also given a Golden Camera Award for a photo he took in his back garden in Benalla.

“It was for a photo I took of a Silvereye that was taking a bath in a bird bath we have set up in our backyard,” Rene said.

The Silvereye is a small bird with a conspicuous ring of white feathers around the eye and belongs to a group of birds known as white-eyes.

“Although there are quite a few winners, I still feel humbled to be again named a Photographer of the Year 2023,” Rene said.

Find more of Rene’s photography in the pages of the Ensign or at www.benallaensign.com.au, or via www.rensmartphotography.com/