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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.

Dylan & Sarah in bed, 2024

Ryan Dandelion

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 Finalist

pigment photographic print on paper (image: 87.1cm x 68.5cm. sheet: 100.0cm x 81.5cm. frame: 102.2cm x 83.7cm)

‘This photograph was made in the home of Sarah and Dylan, five months after the sudden passing of their late husband and father, Norman. Norman was my GP who helped me with lifesaving medication through suicidal depression. Following his death I temporarily moved into Sarah and Dylan’s apartment to help support them. I created this image using a bedside lamp held in my hand and a subtle front swing. Sarah, an ex-sex worker and a lifelong photographic artist, has been a champion of mine since the beginning of my photographic journey back in 2015.’

Ryan Dandelion is a portrait artist based on Bundjalung land/Lismore working with analogue photography and printing techniques. Dandelion’s practice explores themes of vulnerability, sexuality, and the relationship between photographer and subject.

People's Choice Award

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025

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 Sunday 28 September 2025.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025

© National Portrait Gallery 2025
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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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