Postcards of Queanbeyan

The colourful photograph was captured by Karabar resident and athletics enthusiast Marnie Gigliotti at the 2013 Queanbeyan Gift. It was one of twelve images chosen from a pool of 750 entries for the annual calendar.

Ms Gigliotti, an amateur photographer, said she had some idea the novelty mascot race would be a chance to capture something unique. She was prepared, setting herself up just at the finish line.

"I was using a long, sports action lens and as the mascots moved closer I could really only get one or two of them. I was lucky I got a shot at the beginning with all of them in the frame," she said.

"I really like this photo because it represents Queanbeyan. The Queanbeyan Gift and the mascot race are unique to the town. It was the first mascot race they've ever had."

The Queanbeyan South Public School learning support officer said it was "exciting" to be included in the calendar. Her photo is featured in November which is the same month the Queanbeyan Gift is held.

She received $500 in prize money which will be used to buy a new lens for her Nikon 5100 camera. In the meantime, she said she's picked up an armful of calendars to giveaway to family and friends for Christmas.

"I've been entering [the Postcards From Your Town calendar] for about seven years religiously with various photos. This is the first time I've been included and it's very exciting," she said.

"When I got the call, I was beside myself. I was so happy. I feel very proud, it's an honour.

"I believe everyone can be a photographer, you just have to be patient. You have to wait for the shot to come and that could be at any time."

The 43-year-old is a keen amateur photographer and says "I don't feel right if I don't have something on me that I can take a photo with".

She has a collection of about 15 cameras including the first one she received as a nine-year-old - a Kodak brownie film camera.

Her love of photography was rekindled when she realised she didn't have very many photos of her three daughters competing on the athletics track.

Having been involved with the Queanbeyan Little Athletics Club for the last 15 years has given her a chance to hone her skills. She also has a spot soft for photographing four-legged, furry creatures too.

"I love taking sport action photos and animals," she said.

"If you don't find me down at the athletics track, you can probably find me at a zoo. I really enjoy capturing meerkats and zebras would have to be my favourite."

Queanbeyan resident David Tao's fireworks photo, taken from Mount Ainslie lookout, is also included in the calendar.

It features in the month of March.

"I love photography so when I saw the competition I thought I'd take a chance. This was the first time I've entered and it was a great surprise when I heard I was a winner," Mr Tao said.

Calendars are available now, while stocks last, at the ActewAGL Assist store in Civic and Energy Shops in Fyshwick, Goulburn, Nowra and Young.