A photographer could wait for hours, or years, to capture these moments and next month they will be on show for the Hunter to admire. 

Maitland has become a hub for photographers across the globe to exhibit their work and the 2017 Maitland International Salon of Photography competition is no exception. 

With more than 5500 entries from 50 countries this year’s quest is the best in the group’s 58-year history.

And the competition is stiff. 

Judges John Smith, Pia Jessen and John Chapman assessed the nature prints, which is one of several categories, on Friday at Maitland City Bowling Club.

This year the group added a digital travel image category and it has been very popular.

Ms Jessen said the composition of the photo and the quality of the print was important, but the main focus lay in what the print portrayed.

“It’s about the storytelling, it’s about how that image tells a story of the natural wild,” she said.

“Once they do that the other photography elements have to be considered.”

Mr Chapman said the group had an impeccable reputation across the globe and photographers worked hard to create a photograph that was worthy of an accolade in the competition.

The entries, and the winners, will be displayed in a pavilion at Maitland Show on February 17, 18 and 19.

Camera clubs will be invited to view the print and digital collection between February 20 and 22.