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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2016

by Jade Jackson (subscribe)

Hi, I’m a writer, podcaster, and photographer, obsessed with travel; based between the Blue Mountains & Sydney. Subscribe to my podcast, Travelosophy: www.jadejackson.com.au

Event: 13/08/2016 - 02/10/2016

Not just your average selfie

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2016, Dubbo Regional Gallery. Photo by Jade Jackson Photography

Be sure to check out the winner and highlights from this years Photographic Portrait Prize.

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Soon to re-open at the Dubbo Regional Gallery is the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2016.

The event highlights Australia's multitude of photographic talent available and the stories behind the subjects. Each year a panel of judges selects a single winner from thousands of entries to win the $25,000 grand prize.

Portrait photographs should make you feel what the subject is thinking. Give you an insight into who they are and what drives them. At the very least warrant intrigue and perhaps inspiration. I experienced all sorts of emotions from many of the displayed works of the National Photographic Portrait Prize. Many images I struggled to look away from. It still amazes me that a single image from this exhibition can hold attention spans longer than most funny memes.

Elizabeth Looker, National Portrait Gallery, National Portrait Photographic Prize, Canberra

Highlights from the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2016 including winner Elizabeth Looker.

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The Gallery & exhibition are both free to enter and it runs from the 13th August until the 02 October in Dubbo, NSW. It then travels around Australia:

Dubbo Regional Gallery, New South Wales
13 August - 2 October 2016

Newcastle Region Library & Lovett Gallery, New South Wales
9 October - 5 December 2016

Port Pirie Regional Gallery, South Australia
16 December 2016 - 29 January 2017

Mildura Arts Centre, Victoria
16 February - 30 April 2017

Bay Discovery Centre, Glenelg, South Australia
9 June - 21 July 2017

Prepare to be moved and gain an insight into a variety of characters and people.

From the drag queens in the 'Glitter and colour on the streets of Erskinville' by John McRae to the newlywed's 'first meal' by Reece McMillan. Expect to step into the lives and feel the soul of real Australian's.

Some photos are posed, others are candid, but they all work, to tell a story in their own unique way.

Louise Whelan, Natalie Grono, National Photographic Portrait Prize, Canberra, National Portrait Gallery

Highlights by Louise Whelan & Natalie Grono from the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2016.

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'Olga & her blanket' by Katherine Griffiths will certainly shock and make you feel uneasy. It's not often a photograph can invoke such feelings.

Also available from the gift shop for $9.95 is a guidebook of the exhibition. It contains highlighted images and the stories behind the subjects. It's a great addition to any book collection because many of the images you'll want to stare at for hours.

If you're interested to hear the judges comments about choosing a winner, you can view a short video on the Portrait Gallery websitehere.

If you think you have the subject and the skills to take out next years National Photographic Portrait Prize, entries open in October 2016.

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