The National Photographic Portrait Prize has announced the 48 finalists for its 18th annual exhibition, showcasing the best in Australian photographic portraiture.
The competition, run by the National Portrait Gallery, attracts thousands of submissions each year from emerging and established artists. The finalists were selected by writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law, National Portrait Gallery Senior Curator Serena Bentley, and Leigh Robb, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of South Australia.
The winning work will be revealed on 15 August, with the recipient taking home $30,000 cash from the Gallery and $20,000 in equipment from Canon Australia. Other prizes include the $3,000 Art Handlers’ Award, the $10,000 People’s Choice Award, and a new $3,000 First Time Finalist Award. All finalists will have their freight and travel covered, and receive artist and copyright fees.
To vote for the People’s Choice Award and to see more of the finalists click here.
The exhibition will run at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra from 16 August to 12 October 2025, before touring nationally.
Among this year’s standout works is Bri Hammond’s portrait of Sonny Jane, a queer, non-binary, disabled and neurodivergent advocate and writer.
“Since I was young, I was in and out of the mental health system where I was labelled as defiant, naughty and stubborn.
“My ‘defiant’ tattoo is a commitment to resist systems that pathologise our minds, bodies and queerness,” explains Sonny Jane.
“My rainbow freckle tattoos are about wearing my personality and queerness on my face. When people look at me, they’re going to see who I am.”
Kristian Taylor-Wood’s photograph tells the story of Oaklan, a boy diagnosed with a rare disease who has endured multiple life-saving surgeries, including a spinal fusion. His trademark mullet – preserved through even the toughest medical battles – has become a symbol of resilience and spirit.
David Prichard’s entry features Kyanne, a young woman from Aurukun who enjoys fishing and hopes to work with children. Captured at the 2024 NAIDOC Ball, the portrait reflects pride and hope for the youth of the Cape York community.
David Prichard
The 2025 finalists together offer a powerful snapshot of Australia’s social and artistic landscape, each portrait capturing deeply personal stories.
