Meet the Judges

David Benson

David is a well-known and much-loved local photographer who graces our screens daily with beautiful images of early morning in Avoca. He’s had a long career as a wedding photographer and is first choice to document many local events and causes including ABCA’s own website.

Interested in photography since childhood, David’s words of advice for budding photographers are to value your own unique perspective as a photographer: “put your own stamp on how and what you photograph”. In his experience, this leads to recognition and self-satisfaction. David can’t wait to see what images locals can produce in an area where he has photographed almost everything!

Katie Jackson

Katie Jackson is a professional freelance photographer and founder of One Breath Creative; specialising in immersive underwater imagery inspired by the Central Coast’s coastal landscape. A surfer and freediver, she brings a deep connection to the ocean into her work, capturing the beauty, wildlife and spirit of life by the sea. Katie is passionate about encouraging people to see their surroundings with fresh eyes and believes photography has the power to strengthen community connection to place and nature. She was delighted to be invited to join the ABCA photo competition judges’ panel.

Libby Jeffrey

Libby is the Marketing and Events manager at the Avoca Beach Hotel, one of the sponsors of the photo competition. For 20 years she ran Australia's first and most respected photo book company, Momento, where she helped photo lovers and professionals improve their photography skills before printing them in stylish book designs. She is excited to join the judge’s panel and is looking forward to seeing how people represent the beauty of Avoca in their photos. She plans to display each month’s winning entry on the walls of the Avoca Beach Hotel.