Peering up at towering trees and venturing through the cool dappled light to see what is around the bend – this is an image that reminds us to keep hold of childlike curiosity.
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James Crook's photo of his daughter Lara exploring the wide world in her crimson beanie is this year's winner of The Canberra Times Spring Photo competition.
Mr Crook pulled out a Nikon D7000 while on a family day out and was able to get the evocative shot entitled Cathedral of Leaves.
"We were walking around exploring Yarrangobilly Caves and came across this amazing path through beech trees and I captured it just then as she was wandering down," he said.
"The structure of the path and the trees leaning over it, it felt like we were in a cathedral of leaves. And the vibrancy of the new growth just leapt out at you."
Along with detailing the natural beauty, Mr Crook said he loved that the image conveyed Lara's bold personality.
"She is quite intrepid," he said.
"Later that day we walked into another area which was grassy and covered by kangaroos. She had two sticks by then and charged toward the mob. The roos were just staring at her but my wife and I were chasing after her."
He and his young family are new to the ACT, having just moved from Sydney.
Mr Crook first entered this year's winter photo competition and said along with being a great match for his hobby, he loved checking out the competition galleries and finding new spots across the region to visit.
"We love photography," he said. "I love seeing everyone's images. People have interpretations and I love seeing that creativity. You see it in and around Canberra and further afield."
Second place was awarded to Noel Hart for Magpie Cycle Attack, an image taken on a Go Pro that forces the viewer to stare into the eyes of the aggressive bird.
Third place went to Carol Elvin for Nara Park Blossoms, where a profusion of colourful flowers is spliced by the afternoon sun.
Mr Crook said rather than spending his $500 winnings on new photo gear, he planned to put it toward a new bicycle.
"I can't wait to put that towards a new bike," he said. "Hopefully I'll be able to wheel it in next to the Christmas tree."
Click through and look each of the 2016 Spring photo competition images in Gallery 1 or Gallery 2.
