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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

A portrait as a parent, 2025

Mia M. McDonald

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 Finalist

lambda photographic print (frame: 120.2cm x 80.2cm depth 4.7cm)
A portrait as a parent, 2025

‘Mum. This identity is not something I wear temporarily – it is a state of constant collaboration. My children and I live in ongoing exchange; they shape me as much as I shape them. We share routines, mundane ritual, atoms. The idea of mutual imprinting, of porous boundaries between self and other, is at the heart of my work. This multi-stage collaborative work began with a candid portrait taken in my kitchen. A print was made and I Blu-Tacked it to the wall. I invited my kids to hand-colour it as they wished. They left and revisited and revisited it again.’

Mia Mala McDonald is a Naarm/Melbourne-based photographer with a socially engaged practice who often works with portraiture. Her work focuses on people, identity and family, with an emphasis on LGBTQIA+ representation in Australia.

People's Choice Award

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026

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.

Submit vote

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026
(More information, View all 30 photos)

Mae Khong
Nghỉ/Nghiêm (Attention/At ease)
'His Nibs' Mt Isa Airport, 13-9-60, blood-time-lines
Coming Home

Other NPPP photos from Mia M. McDonald
(More information)

Helen Garner in her kitchen, 2018 by Mia McDonald
2019 Finalist

Related information

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 exhibition display
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 exhibition display
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 exhibition display
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 exhibition display

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026

Upcoming exhibition

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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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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