Billet 500 by Cameron Cope

Captured during a 4WD expedition through New Caledonia in November 2009, this long-exposure photograph immortalizes the iconic rock formation in Hienghene. By utilizing a 30-second exposure, the photographer successfully rendered the night sky, allowing the stars to shimmer above the silhouette of the landmark famously depicted on the 500-franc note. This image is award-worthy for its masterful balance of natural light and landscape, transforming a local geological treasure into a celestial scene. The composition highlights the photographer’s patience and technical precision in challenging low-light conditions, resulting in a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the rugged beauty of the island's east coast.