The winners have been announced for Murrumbidgee Irrigation's photography competition, which was all about capturing what water means to the region.

Running across five weeks, almost 100 entrants decided to take part and submit their various interpretations of the brief.

They were able to submit pictures of any aspect relating to water.

Whether it was highlighting lakes, rivers or dams, or showcasing agricultural production and infrastructure, the keen photographers had an endless inspiration.

Wagga's Lucas Cahill was among the winners taking out the secondary category with his photo titled Damn.

The Wagga school student decided to enter the competition after his dad sent him the information.

"I had the photo already taken, but I hadn't played with it or anything, but I knew it was a nice photo," Lucas said.

"I saw the opportunity in it, though.

"I used a lot of Adobe Lightroom with my school laptop and played around with the colours just to make the detail in the water come out a bit better."

The 17-year-old's passion for taking photos started on camping trips as he took in the peace that came with starry nights or sunrises on the dams or lakes.

After getting a camera for his birthday, Lucas hunts for spots around the region to take pictures.

Lucas said when he thinks of water, greenery, crops and food all come to mind.

"It's also a time for reflection", he said.

"The surfaces of water always change a lot, and so does what you see.

"It gives you some space to think."

Brett Jones, Murrumbidgee Irrigation CEO, applauded the photography skills of the entrants.

"Murrumbidgee Irrigation ran this competition to celebrate the role of water in our beautiful and productive region and expected some good entries, but we've been blown away by the number of excellent quality images we've received," he said.

"I understand that the independent judging panel had quite a hard time deciding on the winning entries.

"I am very pleased to announce the winner of the open category was Luminous Lake taken by Lynette Skirving, which also won the people's choice award with over 140 votes recorded at the Riverina Field Days."

The total competition prize value of $4615 was awarded to 18 different prize winners and the competition celebrated the value of water in all its forms around the MIA and represented the importance of water to the community.

Entries were judged on their wow factor, composition, clarity and technical quality, originality, and lighting.

Each weekly winner was awarded a $100 cash prize leading up to the competition closing date with their picture published on social media.

"Murrumbidgee Irrigation is proud to have delivered the What water means to the MIA photography competition, and I congratulate all winners and runners-up," Mr Jones said.

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