Winners of the popular Life's Reflections Photographic Competition were recently announced by the Minister for Ageing, Shane Rattenbury.

''The images we received depict the spirit and passion of older people connecting with other people, events and activities in our vibrant community,'' he says.

This year, 203 photos were entered across five categories.

''The standard and creativity of the photography is always very high and every photographer offers a different perspective or interpretation of their subject. This year is no exception,'' Rattenbury says.

Melba Copland Secondary School photographic teacher Terry Eveston won first place in the open category with a gorgeous image of his grandmother Cynthia Collins, now 91, showing his sons Owen, five, and Tor, two, how to make a trifle.

''It was one of those moments we wanted to capture,'' he says.

Melba Copland Secondary School also had several place-getters in the secondary students' category.

''From a participant's point of view, I think it's a nice competition, celebrating a positive aspect of Canberra, the senior citizens of Canberra and their contribution to the community,'' Eveston says.

''From a teacher's point of view, it's a great opportunity for the students to see their photographs being used outside the classroom. And any opportunity to give them a positive life moment when they get an award is a great thing.''

Eveston says his grandmother is ''a feisty one''.

''I did get roused on, [she said] 'I don't want my photograph taken'. But I did notice Nana had done her hair that morning,'' he says.

And how was the trifle?

''The trifle was good. We had to do the kid-friendly [version] that day - without the sherry.''

Dickson College year 12 student Kira Dowling won first place in the secondary students' category. Her photograph shows her 78-year-old grandfather John Armstrong bushwalking in the Namadgi National Park (with mum Sue Dowling and Leon Helmers behind).

''It's one of his passions, being outside,'' Kira, 17 years, says.

''He's a great role model and I love spending time with him. He's got a lot of wisdom.''

Yvonne Kilgour won first place in the senior's category, taking a photograph of her now 97-year-old father John Mills at Floriade. She is a passionate photographer, particularly of landscapes and flora, and was ''thrilled'' with her win.

Eight-year-old Kira Martin's image of ''Aunty Anne rowing at Yarralumla Bay'' won her first place in the primary students' section. The year 3 student at Yarralumla Primary School ''got a pink camera for Christmas but when I took the photo, I had to use mum's camera''.

Kira says the subject of the photo, Anne Charlton-Bien was ''a nice person'' and it felt ''pretty good'' to win her category.

■ The Life's Reflections exhibition can be viewed at Glass Floor Exhibition space at the Canberra Centre until March 3.