Four Years on Top: Reflections from the 2025 Australian Photographic Prize
It’s hard to believe—but this marks my fourth consecutive year winning the Pet & Animal category at the Australian Photographic Prize! I’m both deeply honoured and incredibly grateful to be recognised again amongst such a talented field of photographers.
This year, I was awarded:
🥇 1st Place – Pet & Animal Category
🥉 3rd Place – Pet & Animal Category
🥉 3rd Place – In Camera Artistry Category
With 2,500+ entries from 21 countries and 53 expert judges from around the globe, the competition continues to raise the bar every single year.
To everyone who entered—you did something brave. Putting your art out into the world is no small feat, and you should be proud. Whether you placed or not, the education and growth you gain from entering is absolutely invaluable.
A special shout-out to Scott Portelli, who took out the Overall Winner title for his moving image of two elephant seals. A beautifully heartfelt moment and the image immediately brought a smile to my face.
Every year, the quality of entries seems to climb to new heights—and this year was no exception. It was especially wonderful to see such a wide range of incredible Pet & Animal images showcased. Our little niche is truly thriving, and it fills me with joy to witness so many talented artists pushing creative boundaries and elevating the standard of work in this field. The competition is fierce, but it’s also inspiring—and a sign that the pet photography world is bursting with innovation and passion.
This year I also had the immense honour of judging the Photographic Artist Category alongside an all-women panel of some of the most talented photographic artists on the planet: Sarah Edmunds, Hanna Neret, Mandarine Montgomery, Amber Griffin, Jessica McGovern, Mel Sinclair, and Vanessa Macauley.
Judging with these powerhouse creatives was as inspiring as it was humbling. The entries were thoughtful, emotional, and technically brilliant. I’m proud to have been part of this girl-powered panel and revealed in the delicious imagery presented.
Massive gratitude to Robyn, Kris, Daniel, Nathan, and every single volunteer who made the Australian Photographic Prize happen. These events are an enormous undertaking, and the effort behind the scenes does not go unnoticed.
If you would like to see my winning images and or watch the judging scroll below for links and images!
My winning image - Tails of the Canis Familiaris
1st Place – Pet & Animal Category
This image was inspired by one particular pug named ‘Peanut’, specifically his tail, which curled into the perfect question mark. During a client session, I captured his backside (something I always try to do, because honestly, dog butts are adorable), and that little curl got me thinking: How could I build an artwork around this tail?
That one moment sparked a creative journey that took over a year to fully form. I played with concepts, composition, and execution until I landed on this idea—a tongue-in-cheek, faux-scientific catalogue of canines, presented from behind. The result is a celebration of quirkiness, character, and the unique shapes that make each tail, and each dog, unforgettable.
It’s a playful tribute to the diversity of our four-legged friends—and a reminder that sometimes the best ideas come from the most unexpected angles.
Guardians Of The Dawn
3rd Place – Pet & Animal Category
This image is part of my ongoing Australian bird series, a body of work I’ve been quietly building over the past year. The subjects—Australian black-necked storks, also known as jabirus—were photographed at Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary, where I could study their shapes, colours, and character up close.
These birds are often overlooked, but I find them absolutely captivating. I wanted this piece to have a surreal, painterly atmosphere, one that elevates their elegance and mystery while placing them in a slightly enchanted version of their natural environment.
From the moody background to the stylised foliage, every element was considered to enhance their quiet beauty and stature. For me, this image is a gentle invitation to re-examine the familiar, to find wonder in the wild things that live right here in our own country.
Waiting For Jo’s Husband
3rd Place – In Camera Artistry Category
This piece was created for the In Camera Artistry category, which celebrates pure photographic craftsmanship and rewards creativity captured in the moment, without the use of post-production. To be eligible, entrants must submit both a JPEG and a RAW file—no retouching allowed.
To bring this image to life, I built the entire background prop from scratch, using hot glue and a quiet hope that the subject would cooperate! It was created specifically for Jo the Fantail Pigeon, who posed like a true professional. Special thanks to Louise Sedgman, who helped make this vision possible.
This image is a testament to the power of planning, patience, and precision, and a reminder that storytelling can be just as powerful when built entirely within the frame.
Also, if you are wondering about the title - This is Jo. Jo came with a male partner to the shoot. His name was ‘Jo’s Husband’. There is another more polished version of this image with the two of them that is being entered in the Pet and Animal category at this year’s NZIPP.
Reflecting on Four Years of Growth
Winning once felt surreal. Winning four years in a row? Well that feels even more surreal. It’s a moment I don’t take for granted. Over the past four years, I’ve seen my work evolve—not just technically, but emotionally and conceptually.
Early on, I focused heavily on the polish of my work—clean edits, strong lighting, impact. But one of the key things I’ve learned is this: a strong concept will carry your image further than any fancy technique ever could.
Judges see a lot of beautifully lit, technically sound images. To stand out, you need something more—something that invites them into a story.
For me, storytelling is the heart of what I create. Before I pick up the camera, I spend time brainstorming ideas, sketching compositions, considering colour palettes, poses, props, and symbolism. I ask: What do I want the viewer to feel? What narrative thread ties this image together?
If you want to capture attention—make them feel something.
Thinking of entering next year? Here are a few pieces of advice that might help:
Lead with Story – Don’t just submit a pretty picture. Ask yourself what the image is communicating emotionally or conceptually.
Refine Your Craft – Strong technical execution supports your story. Make sure your lighting, composition, and post-processing are serving the image, not distracting from it.
Start Early – Great ideas take time to develop. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
Seek Feedback – Get input from mentors, peers, or groups before finalising your entry.
Be Brave – Entering is an act of courage. Even if you don’t place, you gain experience, insight, and a clearer path forward.
If you’d like to watch the judging or see the awards ceremony, here are the links:
