Australian Life grand prize winner
A striking photo of a family encapsulates the experience of many during the rental crisis.
‘On the way to Inspections’ was taken in Camperdown by Samuel Ferris.
Samuel’s image was chosen from 28 finalists, a mix of amateur and professionals, to win the $10,000 cash prize.
“This image was made while rushing between inspections on a Saturday last year. Our children, Orson and Leon, are in the background, letting loose some of their pent-up energy.”
My partner Luisa (pictured) and I have moved rentals 9 times in the 13 years we've been in Sydney.
Last year’s competition winner, Matthew Abbott, Awesome Black’s Travis De Vries, documentary photographer Sandy Edwards, and prominent Australian photographer Liz Ham made up the judging panel for this year.
Curator Sandy Edwards said judges were drawn to the diverse images from a strong field of entrants, with the winning image a perfect example of street photography.
“It feels classic and modern as it simultaneously speaks to the past. It feels like a moment of discomfort, waiting in limbo for something to happen, to resolve things.”
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO congratulated the winners.
“I congratulate Samuel Ferris on the win, for their ‘On the way to Inspections’ image.
“I also congratulate all the finalists who now have their works displayed in one of the most iconic locations in Sydney.
“Artists of all kinds bring our city to life, help shape its identity and spirit, and give it depth and resonance,” the Lord Mayor said.
See all the finalist images in a stunning outdoor gallery in front of Customs House from Thursday 14 September to Sunday 8 October.
Little Sydney Lives winners
The winners of the Little Sydney Lives photography competition both take home a $500 photography pack.
“It really is delightful to see our youngest photographers share how they see life in the harbour city,” the Lord Mayor said.
Pina Macedone from Erskineville won the 3 to 7 years category for the image, ‘Charlotte of The Inner West’.
“A cool spider decided to live by our front gate for a little while,” Pina said.
“This one morning on our way to ballet class, we found it had left its web up, and the sun made it shine like something magical. My sister did not want to get any closer.”
Orson Ferris from Newtown won the 8 to 12 years category for the image, ‘Man With His Parrot’.
“I went to take photos with my dad at Circular Quay and saw this man with his pet parrot,” Orson said.
“I took a photo when the parrot looked at me. I would like to have my own pet parrot too.”
See all Little Sydney Lives finalists for 2023.
Australian Life people’s choice
Don't forget to vote for your favourite image to win the People's Choice award.
The photographer with the most votes will win an OM System professional pack valued at over $2,300.
The winner will be announced on Thursday 5 October.
Published 15 September 2023, updated 19 September 2023
