Australia’s national photographic portrait prize 2026 – in pictures

<p>Thirty finalists were selected from more than 1,000 entries in the 2026 photographic competition which has a $30,000 cash prize for first place. This year’s winner is Nathan Beard’s portrait of his Thai-born aunt Mae Khong, who was recuperating after a debilitating fall. Judges said Beard’s portrait has an ‘immediate and compelling emotional pull’ and offers an insight into the relationship between the artist and subject. <a href="https://www.portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/national-photographic-portrait-prize-2026">The exhibition</a> is on now at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/aug/22/australia-national-photographic-portrait-prize-2026-nathan-beard">Continue reading...</a>