National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026

The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 marks the end of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions.

Since 2007, the Prize has celebrated the vitality and diversity of contemporary portrait photography from across the nation. From the joyful and playful to the strong, intimate and vulnerable, it has showcased the stories, people and moments that mattered.

To celebrate the remarkable photography and thank the community of artists, supporters and visitors who have cherished this prize over the years, the Gallery will present a curated retrospective exhibition alongside the 2026 finalists’ exhibition.

The winner of the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 receives a prize of $30,000 cash courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery and $20,000 worth of equipment courtesy of Imaging Partner Canon Australia. The Art Handlers’ Award winner receives $3,000 courtesy of IAS Logistics. The winner of the First Time Finalist Award receives $3,000 courtesy of EIZO. All finalists receive artist and copyright fees as well as all costs covered for freight and travel.

Finalists for the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 are:

The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 will be held from 22 August to 11 October 2026 at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra before touring nationally.