© National Portrait Gallery 2025
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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018 Finalist
While photographing the family this year, I became acutely aware of the circumstances before a seemingly desirable photograph is taken – the chaotic events that precede the decisive moment. I shifted the exposure from the time at which everyone was composed in front of the camera to a moment during assembly for the portrait. On this occasion, the preliminary process involved children vying for my equipment and taking their own wonderful photographs; progress delayed; interest lost; and the testing of patience. The conclusion: the communal relief when we achieved personal dignity and common purpose.
Jessica Bolton navigates the parallel tracks documenting Robyn Davidson’s astonishing journey.
The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.
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