Lex Porebski’s capture of Albany as maritime city wins 2026 Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry photo comp

A photo of Albany’s stunning landscape captured in the golden rays of sunrise has won an annual photography competition and will grace the front of the city’s 2026 business directory. Judge Christian Fletcher awarded Lex Porebski’s photo Maritime City first place in the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry Timeless Albany Photography Competition, announced on Tuesday. Not one to do things by half, Mr Porebski also took out second and third place with his photo of the STS Leeuwin II Before the Crush and Albany’s 10th Light Horse Brigade lined up against the backdrop of the ruined Woollen Mills. The amateur photographer said he was “quite chuffed” with the triple placing. “I was hoping for a good result but the result — first, second and third — at the end was amazing, as there was one photo by someone else that really impressed me that I expected to win over mine,” Mr Porebski said. “To be voted one, two, three by Christian Fletcher who is well known and highly regarded in the WA photo community was extra nice.” Mr Porebski said he submitted a couple of photos for the competition and was actually hoping for another, Breaksea Island at Sunrise to take out the top spot. Mr Fletcher said that the winning photo “immediately stood out”. “The photographer has captured a moment in time and has given us a glimpse of the timeless land unchanged for millennia, and how we interact with the land,” he said. “The silhouette of modern ships adds intrigue whilst the soft focus natural lighting creates a cinematic mood. “Albany is known for its beautiful waterways, and what better way to show it than an amazing sunrise.” Tobias Ley’s capture of natural splendour in Bald Head Sunrise was the favourite for the ACCI executive prize. Mr Fletcher chose the winners out of 36 anonymous photos. Mr Porebski, who won the competition for the 2024 directory, said he loves all aspects of photography but admits that winning competitions is a highlight. “My inspiration is that I’m competitive by nature whether that’s in sport or photography so I keep an eye on the yearly photo competitions around the State and try spend some time chasing the type of photos I hope or believe will do well.” The winning photos will feature through the 2026 ACCI Business and Community Directory – Bicentenary Edition. All participants’ photos can be seen on the ACCI website until August 31.