Portrait wins Australia's national photography prize 2026

Nathan Beard's portrait of his aunt Mae Khong won Australia's national photography prize 2026, which carries a $30,000 cash award for first place.

By El Medio Oriente

August 30, 2026

A person lying on grass wearing a white polka-dot dress and bandages, surrounded by scattered beer cans and bottles. — The winning portrait shows Mae Khong lying on grass, surrounded by beer cans and bottles, in a composition that plays with elements of humour and everyday vulnerability. (The Guardian — Art & Design)

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Thirty finalists were selected from more than 1,000 entries submitted to the 2026 photography competition, which offers a $30,000 cash prize for first place.

This year's winner is Nathan Beard's portrait of his aunt Mae Khong, born in Thailand, who was recovering from a disabling fall. The judges said that Beard's portrait has an "immediate and captivating emotional impact" and offers a perspective on the relationship between the artist and the subject.

The exhibition is currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.