Photographers aged 18 and under, from far and wide, are being encouraged to enter the competition and try their hand at capturing the Port’s natural beauty through their lenses.

Shutterfest is free to enter.

The winner of the category for photographers aged 14 to 18 will take away a $500 Camera House gift card, while the winner of the category for those aged 8 to 13 will win a half-day Port Stephens adventure voucher.

Coles Myer gift cards will be awarded to those who take second and third place in both categories.

The competition is open until July 13.

Photographs need to reflect the natural environment of Port Stephens and can be black and white or colour, raw or enhanced.

The inaugural Shutterfest was held in 2015 as part of Naturefest, an annual program of events designed to draw nature-lovers to the region to enjoy its wealth of nature and wildlife.

The contest attracted almost 200 images from young photographers across Australia, and for 2016’s event, organisers have also added a new open category for adult photographers.

Entries into this year’s Shutterfest are avialble to see on the Port Stephens tourism Facebook page.