© National Portrait Gallery 2026
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 Finalist
‘Uncle Mervyn Bishop, a proud Kamilaroi man and Australia’s first Aboriginal press photographer, reflects quietly just before his 80th birthday. His life’s work has helped shape the visual history of this nation, documenting moments of truth, dignity and change. For decades, his photographs created a record that ensured Aboriginal people were seen with honesty and authority. In this portrait, I wanted to honour Uncle Merv’s presence at this milestone, acknowledging the weight of what he has witnessed and preserved. His legacy continues to influence how stories are told and remembered across Australia.’
Dean Saffron is a proud Kamilaroi/Gomeroi photographer and filmmaker based on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. His practice centres on respectful, collaborative portraiture and long-form storytelling with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The People’s Choice Award is generously supported by the Calvert-Jones Foundation, with the artist who wins the most votes receiving $10,000.
Voting closes Wednesday 30 September 2026.
from Saturday 22 August
The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 marks the end of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions.
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