Images aim to capture support for charities

This image of five-month-old Finlay Aicheson, who was born with three holes in his heart and without a gallbladder or pancreas, was captured by family friend Simon Corbett. Photo / Supplied

Keen photographers have flooded Canon's Creative for a Cause competition with entries in the hope of winning $25,000 for their nominated charity.

Over 2700 images have been uploaded in support of 455 charitable causes, which range from organisations like Plunket and the Red Cross to lesser known organisations such as the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photography student Simon Corbett's entry "These are the eyes" for Heart Children NZ, features young Finlay Aicheson, who was born with three holes in his heart and without a gallbladder or pancreas.

Mr Corbett said Finlay, the son of family friends, was still "a pretty happy kid" despite being constantly in and out of hospital.

He said Finlay was one of about 10 people in the world with his condition to have survived.

Mr Corbett took the photograph just weeks before Finlay underwent open heart surgery last year at the age of five months.

"He was a good little model," he said.

He said he would probably continue to photograph Finlay as he grew, along with the Aichesons' other two children.

Heart Children NZ supports and cares for children with heart conditions and their families.

Canon will award $25,000 to the winning entrant's preferred charity.

The competition is also open to Australian residents, where the winning entrant's selected cause will receive AU$60,000.

The top five entrants from each country will also receive a Canon prize package and will be announced on August 6.