The 2026 Australian Photography Awards introduced a single open category this year, moving away from segmented divisions to capture a broader range of visual stories. This shift resulted in a collection of images that range from intimate domestic portraits to stark landscapes.
Among the notable winners is Poppy Steer, whose series Homebody captures trans and queer life in private spaces. The exhibition also features Tobias Titz’s portrait of an artist using a protective helmet for seizure management, and Rosanna Lang’s photograph of a snowed-in vehicle in Hokkaido. These works provide a clear look at how contemporary photographers represent personal and external environments.
Additional highlights include student work from Xinshuo Zhuo and Jessica Tormey, alongside poignant moments caught by contributors like Carly Earl and Emma Crook. The exhibition serves as a record of current Australian photographic practice.
Visitors can view these selected works at the Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne. The exhibition remains open to the public until 9 August.