Anne Neiwand, a Brisbane-based photographer, has won the top prize in the 1839 Awards Colour Photography Contest in New York for her series Engineered Horizons, which features striking aerial images of salt harvesting operations in Western Australia.

Neiwand, 65, began exploring photography ten years ago after friends suggested she find a creative hobby to balance the stress of running her payroll business. Having previously only taken informal snapshots, she taught herself the craft and developed a particular passion for aerial photography. She often photographs landscapes while hanging out of chartered helicopters or small aircraft, focusing on vibrant color and unusual perspectives.

Her award-winning series highlights the salt evaporation ponds at Useless Loop in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, where salt is extracted from seawater via a series of large, shallow ponds. The ponds’ colors change dramatically throughout the evaporation process, displaying hues ranging from pink and mauve to blue, green, orange, and ochre. Neiwand describes the scene as "otherworldly," emphasizing the visual impact of the industrial landscape set against the natural environment.

Salt harvesting at Useless Loop began in the mid-1960s and is currently operated by Shark Bay Salt, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Mitsui. The facility produces about four million tonnes of salt annually, primarily exported to Asian markets. This salt serves as a raw material for the manufacturing of caustic soda, chlorine, and soda ash—chemical components integral to the production of paper, plastics, glass, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.

Useless Loop functions as a closed company town, with Mitsui providing housing, education, and recreational amenities for the approximately 70 families employed at the site. The unusual place name originates from the early 19th century French expedition led by Nicolas Baudin, who dubbed the area “Havre Inutile” or “Useless Harbour,” based on a mistaken belief that a sandbar obstructed ship access.

Neiwand credits her engagement with photography for enriching her outlook and enhancing her attention to detail. Although her aerial photography pursuits have recently paused to allow her to care for her elderly parents, aged 102 and 93, she expressed enthusiasm about her recent award. "How cool is that!" she remarked, reflecting on the recognition of her work.