Media releases

Unfiltered – young reflections of Sydney life

Published 11 August 2021

2021 LSL Finalist Cora Wellman Family trip to the beach

Twenty of NSW’s youngest photographers have shared their impressions of life in the city as finalists in one of Australia’s top image competitions.

The annual Little Sydney Lives photography competition has attracted dozens of images of people, animals, toys and nature, captured by children from the ages of 3 to 12.

Celebrating its 10th year, the junior counterpart to the renowned Australian Life photography competition has attracted entries from aspiring young photographers across greater Sydney and as far afield as Mudgee.

A panel of judges, including National Geographic photographer Michaela Skovranova, Magnum Photo Agency member Trent Parke and TV personality Justine Clarke, selected 20 finalist images in two categories – the 3-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds.

“These innocent perspectives on life as we know it right now are creative, funny and incredibly uplifting - and just the tonic we need in today’s climate,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Our youngest citizens have captured unfiltered images of life and growing up in Sydney with genuine creativity and innocence, and it’s wonderful to see our city through their eyes.”

The finalists aged 3 to 7 are:

  • Zachary Blanc, Maroubra
  • Sienna Lepone, Green Square
  • Zoe Morris, South Eveleigh
  • Alaska Peek, Coogee
  • Sebastian Barlow, Mudgee
  • Milena Bate, Summer Hill
  • Teddy Jones, Canterbury
  • Ethan Chetty, Quakers Hill
  • Nina Meyer, Seven Hills
  • Cora Wellman, Bluey’s Beach

The finalists aged 8 to 12 are:

  • Triniti Watson, Beecroft
  • Alessandra Murray, Leichhardt
  • Willow Maiden, Surry Hills
  • Sonya Clarke, Sydney
  • Laura Belling, Rozelle
  • Ryan Wong, Strathfield
  • Hannah Jones, Naraweena
  • James Wong, Tamarama Beach
  • Nathan Lo, Toongabbie
  • Layla Rose Moshi, Bossley Park

The 20 finalist images, and the stories behind each photograph, feature in the Little Sydney Lives online exhibition, curated by photographer Sandy Edwards.

Winners in each of the age categories will be announced by the City on 16 September. Each winner will be awarded $500 in photography equipment and accessories.

Little Sydney Lives and Australian Life are part of the City of Sydney’s year-round Art & About program of events and temporary art projects in unusual spaces throughout the city.

More details on the Little Sydney Lives finalists and Art & About are available at artandabout.com.au

For media enquiries or images, contact Elaine Kelly.
Phone 0477 362 500 or email ekelly@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Trish Croaker.
Phone 0418 397 462 or email tcroaker@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au