![The photo of a diamond python, by Sue-Ellen Smith, won the category for the 'image that most evokes a connection with an animal in the wild in Australia', at Gallery Bodalla. The photo of a diamond python, by Sue-Ellen Smith, won the category for the 'image that most evokes a connection with an animal in the wild in Australia', at Gallery Bodalla.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/P6duGiBRTmfbtYGzUCkKfG/9810e2de-857a-47db-ab25-d5df7d3f2866.jpg/r0_50_2048_1347_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Sue-Ellen Smith won the category for the image that best evoked a connection to wild animals, with her photo of a diamond python, at the fourth annual Animals in the Wild photo competition, at Gallery Bodalla, over the June long weekend.
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Sue-Ellen said she took the photo at a friend’s house.
“The snakes there are never hurt and just hang around. You can get fairly close, although I do have a pretty good lens,” the photographer said.
When Sue-Ellen saw the competition announced by NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge she knew it was for her.
“I totally support the concept ‘shoot with a camera’,” Sue-Ellen said.
“Guns are okay to control feral animals but our native animals and bird numbers are plunging, they need our support.”
Competition judge, Rex Dupain, said of Sue-Ellen’s scaly portrait: “One can’t help to marvel at the python’s awesome textures and patterns. Its skin consists of black and showered with shimmering yellow spots, while head rests with a commanding presence. And as for that eye, I guess it spotted the photographer.”