MAREE Dinger’s winning snap certainly is a reason to smile.

The Dingley mother has won the best local photo prize in the Smile Photography Competition with her entry Duck Off.

Dinger, who has previously taken pictures for AFL’s Western Bulldogs, said the photo captured a precious moment when she was holidaying in China with her mother.

“I like taking people photos,” Dinger said.

“And this photo will always remind me of laughing with my mum.” A community initiative in conjunction with Centro shopping centres, the competition received more than 45,000 entries.

The entries were judged by an expert panel, including internationally renowned photographer Keith Saunders.

“A good photo should be visually strong and engaging and will stir an emotion,” Saunders said.

Along with being awarded a Sony Digital Camera and Photo Printer, Dinger will now compete for the national title in October where she could win $10,000.

Dinger’s photograph Duck Off is on display at Centro Oakleigh Shopping Centre, Station St until Friday, October 3.