I've been lucky enough to win some pretty cool prizes including a night's stay in beautiful accommodation, cook book sets, canvas wall art prints and restaurant vouchers just to name a few. The feeling of winning something regardless of how big or small the prize, is an incredible feeling and leaves you feeling so happy and excited! 

I came across this once in a life time opportunity to win a photography experience on the sidelines for one of the State of Origin games thanks to Nikon Australia. Entering was simple, you had to be a member of the Nikon community My Nikon Life, enter your details and in 25 words or less answer this question, "What would you most like to capture during the State of Origin?" 

When I received that phone call from Nikon saying that I was one of the eight winners to have VIP access to the sidelines and photograph game two of State of Origin at ANZ Stadium in Sydney using exclusive Nikon gear, my jaw nearly hit the floor, I couldn't believe I won a spot!  

WHEN IT COMES TO ENTERING COMPETITIONS, THERE'S A VERY WELL KNOWN SAYING "YOU GOTTA BE IN IT TO WIN IT" AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED WHEN I ENTERED, AND WON, A COMPETITION THAT GAVE ME AN EXPERIENCE I WILL NEVER FORGET!

When we arrived at ANZ Stadium we met with the Nikon team, got suited up with our vests and gear (I used my Nikon D3400 body with Nikon's 300mm lens) and walked onto the sidelines to take our seating position for the game. The atmosphere was electric and you could feel the excitement and adrenaline from the crowd wafting through the air. I had to pinch myself a few times to actually believe this was really happening!

I didn't want to experience the whole game through the camera lens, I had the best seat in the house after all! During some moments of the match I would put the camera down and really take in the excitement of it all and think to myself how lucky I am to have this opportunity. At the end of the night I was quite happy with the photos I captured and they will always be something to look back on of my experience! Here's some of the action shots I captured on the night!