The two local photographers, Dean from Narrawallee and Carly from Ulladulla, were named as finalists in the Australia-wide Living Australia Photographic Competition.

More than 1,100 photos were entered in the competition, run to promote all things Aussie with winners announced in the lead up to Australia Day.

Carly and Dean both had an image named in the top 20 finalists for the competition.

Carly's work, Heroes in the Sky, was captured during the Burrill Lake bushfires in 2009 and shows a helicopter battling the blaze against a sky of smoke.

Carly was delighted to have made it to the finals in the prestigious competition.

"It's been such an incredible experience to receive an achievement like this, especially since this is my first major photographic competition I've entered," Carly said.

"It's great to get a bit of recognition after many years of hard work."

Carly said she had already seen her image used to promote Australia.

"I've recently come back from a holiday overseas, to a family wedding," she said.

"As I walked through the arrivals area in Sydney airport, I was reading the signs overhead that said 'G'day mate, welcome home'.

"I was thinking to myself, ah, it's great to be home when my eyes stumbled across a huge plasma screen which displayed my photograph in the Australia Day comp, and the other finalists, just as I walked passed it.

"Talk about getting a huge buzz!"

Dean's image, Mollymook Surf Swimmers, shows a typical summer scene with members of the Mollymook Nippers running into the water at Mollymook Beach.

With several photography awards under his belt, Dean was pleased to have his photo make the top 20.

"It was nice to get selected for this photography award," he said.

"Every bit of recognition helps.

"I'm genuinely pleased with this capture as it summarises everything that the South Coast is for me - fun outdoors, in the ocean, freedom, joy and vitality.

"I guess there's the Aussie competitive spirit driving these happy Mollymook swimmers too."

The winning photographer received over $6,500 worth of prizes as well as an opportunity with Getty Images.

Judges for the competition included well known photographers and Australia Day representatives with Matt King, Angelos Frangopoulos, Brendan Read, Erin McNaught and Erika Jimenez all taking on judging duties..

The winner and finalists can be viewed on the Australia Day website at www.australiaday.com.au