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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.

Depth of Field

Portrait Photography from the Collection

Over the last five years the National Portrait Gallery has developed a collection of portrait photographs that reflects both the strength and diversity of Australian achievement as well as the talents of our photographers.

More information on Depth of Field

Selected images

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Lew Hoad
Lew Hoad, 1954 Ern McQuillan OAM. © Michael McQuillan's Classic Photographs
Betty Cuthbert
Betty Cuthbert, 1955 (printed 2003) Ern McQuillan OAM. © Michael McQuillan's Classic Photographs
TJ Smith and Tulloch
TJ Smith and Tulloch, 1960 (printed 2003) Ern McQuillan OAM. © Michael McQuillan's Classic Photographs
George Moore
George Moore, 1957 Ern McQuillan OAM. © Michael McQuillan's Classic Photographs
John Laws
John Laws, 1981 John Williams. © Estate of John Williams
Ita Buttrose
Ita Buttrose, 1981 John Williams. © Estate of John Williams
Al Grassby and Penny Dent, Community Relations Commission, Canberra
Al Grassby and Penny Dent, Community Relations Commission, Canberra, 1982 John Williams. © Estate of John Williams
Rev. Fred Nile, Festival of Light, Sydney
Rev. Fred Nile, Festival of Light, Sydney, 1981 John Williams. © Estate of John Williams
The Movie Star (David Gulpilil)
The Movie Star (David Gulpilil), 1985 Tracey Moffatt. © Tracey Moffatt
Courtesy of the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney.
Some lads #1
Some lads #1, 1986 Tracey Moffatt. © Tracey Moffatt
Courtesy of the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney.
Dame Mary Gilmore
Dame Mary Gilmore, 1961 Max Dupain OBE. © Max Dupain/Copyright Agency, 2024
Eugene Goossens
Eugene Goossens, c. 1954 Max Dupain OBE
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Related information

Cathy Freeman, 1994
Cathy Freeman, 1994
Cathy Freeman, 1994
Cathy Freeman, 1994

Depth of Field

Magazine article by Lauren Dalla, 2004

The exhibition Depth of Field displays a selection of portrait photographs that reflect the strength and diversity of Australian achievement.
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
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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© National Portrait Gallery 2026
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

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.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency