© National Portrait Gallery 2025
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020 Finalist
After years battling devastating drought, Dad watched from the sidelines of his cattle yards as his livelihood was methodically drafted off for sale. This image captures him, oblivious to the camera, in a moment of pain and heartbreak at the impossible decision he’d made that day. In order to preserve the future, and save the core of his breeding stock, the rest had to go – and with them a lifetime of bloodlines went too. Down but not defeated, Dad’s strength through adversity shone through for all to see. Drought has many faces; this is one of them.
6 April 2020
Nici Cumpston immerses herself in the collective vision of the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020.
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.
Visit us, learn with us, support us or work with us! Here’s a range of information about planning your visit, our history and more!
