Cultural and creative life

Capture the essence of Australian Life

Enter our national photography competition for a $10,000 grand prize.

Black and white photo of woman next to wall covered in graffiti art
On the way to Inspections, Samuel Ferris, Australian Life 2023

From the epic to the intimate, the harsh to the fragile, Australia holds so many vastly different experiences for people.

We want you to show us what Australian Life looks like through your lens.

You can capture any aspect of Australia from everyday occurrences to fleeting moments, unusual places, intriguing characters, the diversity of cultures or subcultures, celebrations, or rituals, natural or artificial environments.

For the first time, entrants aged 13 years and older can enter the competition.

A total of 28 finalists will be selected to have their work displayed in an outdoor exhibition in Circular Quay from 1 August to 25 August.

Grand prize

A distinguished panel of judges will select winners in the following categories:

  • Over 18 – $10,000 grand prize
  • Under 18 – $2,000 cash and 1 x OM-5 Camera + 12-45mm F4.0 PRO Lens RRP $2,499

People’s choice award

The people’s choice award invites everyone to vote for their favourite during the exhibition.

The photographer who receives the most votes will receive an OM-1 Mark II Camera and 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II Lens valued at over $5,300.

The award is open to Australian Life entrants from both categories.

How to enter

Enter up to 2 images online by midnight on Sunday 21 April.

Please read the image specifications and Australian Life terms and conditions before entering for your best shot at becoming a finalist and winning the top prize.

28 finalists will be selected to have their work enlarged and exhibited
28 finalists will be selected to have their work enlarged and exhibited

Judges

Entries will be judged by a distinguished panel of judges including:

  • Sam Ferris
  • Matt Horspool
  • Chris Frape
  • Sandy Edwards

Find out more about Australian Life 2024.

Featured image: 'On the way to Inspections', Sam Ferris (2023 grand prize winner)

Published 18 May 2023, updated 22 March 2024