THIS YEAR, MORE than a thousand people submitted photos of themselves and their families seizing special moments as part of Centra’s #LiveToday photo competition.
Twelve images have been shortlisted for the €1,000 prize, and you can vote for your favourite here.
In this article, we’ve picked three of the images that capture a very special shared moment.
We asked the finalists to tell us why this moment was important to them, and how they made the most of it. We also spoke to photographer Barry McCall – who helped compile the shortlist – about what made each photo stand out.
John Chalmers told us why the moment was special:
“Myself and my daughter Yi Lan did the [Cork] women’s mini marathon on her birthday, walked four miles in an hour and ten minutes. She loves walking, always walked and walked and walked.
“The main reason I do a lot with her is that she suffers some anxiety. So it’s great for her when she gets some recognition. I’d go to the ends of the earth and back again if it meant I could make them smile a small bit.
“You have to encourage them, to make them feel better and do better. Any fool can be a father. It takes a real man to be a dad.”
Competition judge Barry McCall said:
I don’t know if that’s his wig or the mummy’s wig – it doesn’t matter. All the details, even his tattoos and the bloomers on him, everything about it is really sweet. I just think it’s a moment.
John O’Neill told us why the moment was special:
“Our summer holidays more or less were spent on the beach. We’d always go on a walk to the beach, up onto the sand dunes. I always have the camera with me, and it all just came together one day.
“I used to spend my childhood on Tramore beach collecting shells. They’re fond memories, and we want to give our son Ben these moments while he’s small. Sitting there watching the world go by.
“You have to live for today through your children. To try and give them as many memories as you can. Life’s too short to say we’ll do it tomorrow.”
Competition judge Barry McCall said:
There’s almost an old John Hinde postcard quality to this, the red colour of the dog, and the blue. The composition says it all – it’s picture postcard Ireland.
Corrina Stone told us why the moment was special:
“It was my son Killian’s fifth birthday, and it was a school night, and the circus was in town. They were asking asking asking to go. And I said no – and then I surprised them when they got home. I had the clown outfit all ready to go for Killian.
“Why didn’t Killian have candy floss? Killian hates candy floss because it sticks to his face. He had a slushie instead.
“They loved it. I took it just to show that magic can happen. If we just stop thinking too much and worrying too much, it can happen. Memories are made when you live for today.”
Competition judge Barry McCall said:
This was a complete curve ball in the competition. Everything else is a bit arty – but if you’re talking about seizing the moment, this is it. It’s fun, I love the colour, nice diagonals and the focal point is the boy with the slushie. On a school night!
All of these #LiveToday photos are special, but we want you to help choose the winner of the €1,000 grand prize! When you’ve picked your favourite, click here to vote. Every voter has the chance to win one of 5 Centra €20 gift vouchers. The nationwide competition marks the launch of Centra’s new brand position, Live Every Day, which encourages people to live in the moment and make the most of every day.
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