FROM more than 200 entries, Liam, aka Leroy Kendell, was named the winner of The Examiner’s youth photo competition, Foto Ops.

The grade 9 Scotch Oakburn student snapped a peacock in full display at the Cataract Gorge to win the competition from fellow snappers aged 13 to 23.

‘‘I was pretty excited when I got the call,’’ Leroy said.

‘‘I just couldn’t believe it.’’

Leroy said he almost got attacked by his subject when he took the photo.

Despite this, nature photography remains his favourite and he was looking forward to using his new gear to expand his portfolio.

‘‘I love getting up in the nature,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s definitely my favourite thing to photograph.’’

The prize, a Nikon camera and comprehensive camera kit including lens and tripod valued at more than $1800, was donated by Harvey Norman Launceston computing department franchisee Mathew Mitchell.

The Foto Ops competition is part of The Examiner’s annual youth magazine Fuse.

The top 10 entries will be published in the magazine and all the entries have been uploaded to  The Examiner’s website, www.examiner.com.au.