Australia’s preeminent sport specialist photographer, Delly Carr has scooped the prestigious ‘Sports Photographer of the Year’ Award at the annual Australian Professional Photography Awards in Melbourne overnight.

His successful folio of Australian sport throughout 2016 won him the most sought after award for Australian Professional Sports Photographers.

“I felt very privileged to see my name etched onto the trophy beside a long list of illustrious names. The nomination was enough reason for me to stand tall. Now taking out the big prize has me almost speechless."

“Sports Photographer of The Year, I love the sound of that,” Delly said.

Delly thanked the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers expert panel in selecting his stunning portfolio of four images over the past 12 months.

He was also full of praise and gratitude to Nikon Australia for their continued 10-year support supplying him with the best photography hardware as their Sports Ambassador.

Digital photography is a fluid and evolving entity and in the past few years Delly has adapted to the change.

“It’s meant a new business direction, a more ‘creatively mature’ eye, and a dab of my quirky fun personality. I have been so proud of the imagery I have been able to create in the past 24 months."

“This Award helps to reaffirm that I am definitely doing things right."

"I have won multiple Awards over my 25+ years of sport photography, but this Award does rank right up there amongst the top of my achievements."

Inspired by the recognition of his work the Award has further fuelled Carr's passion and reaffirm his commitment to push the boundaries and set higher standards of excellence in the new digital era.

2016 Milestones:

• An unprecedented 8th Olympic Games in Rio De Janiero (a milestone not achieved by any other Australian Freelance Photographer)
• 2016 Australian Olympic Swimming Trials
• 2016 ITU Triathlon World Series
• Photography of the Bahrain Endurance Team and upholding the vision of His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa
• Creative Ambassador for Nikon Australia, Subaru and Thule'