A WELL–KNOWN local photographer will be judging the landscape and open photography sections in next year's prestigious Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize.

Recently advised of the role by the Art Prize's artistic director Joy Schmidt, Chiltern's Kurt Hickling said he is thrilled to fill the role and take part in an amazing opportunity.

"Being a judge requires a high calibre of experience," he said.

Being fascinated about photography from a young age, Kurt said he wanted to express his passion and vision in photography by camera, capturing an array of subjects, among them people, objects, lightning as well as astrophotography.

The photographer gained confidence and experience on the journey, where his passion grew.

"As they say, the rest is history," he said.

"I love photography because it is rewarding, relaxing and I love to challenge myself in new things."

With entries submitted from locals, around the region and across the nation, Kurt said exhibitors are set to flock to the most popular exhibition in the region.

"As a judge for the art prize section, I'll be looking for creativity, use of lighting, how the image has been framed in camera, and most importantly, every image tells a story so I will be looking out for that in each image as well," he said.

As years of experience are not needed to exhibit, Kurt said photography is a journey of learning and creating your own unique style.

"This is important to evolving, and an exhibition is a great place to start," he said.

With an impressive portfolio, Kurt started his photography career as a freelance photographer for the Herald Sun 25 years ago, then took up a role with the Bureau of Meteorology where he chased and photographed lightning.

He has pursued a variety of photographic interests since then where he also runs storm and astrophotography workshops with an interest in taking shots of bioluminescent fungi in the Mt Pilot National Park too.

In November this year, Kurt received a prestigious award for best overall photograph in the state in this year's Victorian Country Press Awards.

The creative photographer is the senior photographer at North East Media's Wangaratta Chronicle as well as having his own commercial and wedding photography business.

Entries are now open for the sixth annual Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize exhibition to be held in March next year, with a prize pool set to exceed $14,000.

With entries closing on February 10, 2023, artists are encouraged to visit www.artsrutherglen.com.au for details.