Better Photography Magazine Photographer of the Year 2026

The Better Photography Magazine Photographer of the Year is Australia's annual photography competition, run by Better Photography Magazine and now in its 19th year. The competition is structured around four categories: Emotive Portraiture, Classic Landscapes, Revealing Nature, and Open (the photographer's choice).

Each category winner receives AUD $750. The overall Photographer of the Year award is AUD $2,000 — only entrants who have submitted four or more images across the categories are eligible for the top award. Total cash prizes are approximately AUD $5,000.

Beyond cash, every entry receives a Bronze, Silver, or Gold designation based on quality, plus a written comment from each judge. The feedback model distinguishes the competition from many international awards: applicants are scored on photographic merit by a panel of professional judges and receive substantive notes regardless of whether they place.

The 2026 jury comprises Tony Hewitt and David Oliver (both AIPP Grand Masters of Photography) and Peter Eastway (publisher of Better Photography Magazine). The same three judges are used annually to maintain scoring consistency across years.

Entry fee is AUD $20 per image, with a free fifth entry for every four submitted before May 24, 2026. AI-generated images are not accepted. Eligibility is open globally — international entries welcome. The 2026 deadline is May 31, with results announced June 30.