Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards
Discover Brisbane from a new perspective with the Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards.
Lord Mayor's Photographic Awards 2026
The Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards is an annual competition open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Brisbane.
This year entrants were asked to capture the theme, Everyday Brisbane, through images that reflect genuine moments, people and places that define the city’s character. From hardworking locals to iconic river views and familiar streetscapes, the theme celebrated the beauty of everyday life in Brisbane.
Entries for this year's awards closed on 5 June 2026.
We received more than 2,200 entries and would like to thank each person who entered.
Hero image: Kylie Facey
2026 winners
The Lord Mayor is pleased to announce the winners of the Lord Mayor's Photographic Awards 2026.
View the winning images from each category at our exhibition locations.
Open Category - Winner
Name: Tyler Sharman
Title: Rush hour
Description: I captured this photograph on a very rainy day on the corner of Edward and Adelaide Streets. People were in a rush to stay dry.
Suburb taken: Brisbane City
Prize: $5,000
Open Category - 2nd Place
Name: Nigel Wesley
Title: Shooting the breeze
Description: Just a typical afternoon, shooting the breeze with my neighbour.
Suburb taken: Wynnum
Prize: $2,000
Open Category - 3rd Place
Name: Jonathan Wood
Title: Australia
Description: No screen. No Netflix. Sprinkler, trampoline and a summer's day.
Suburb taken: Bulimba
Prize: $1,000
Student Category - Winner
Name: Maria Pena
Title: Quiet mornings
Description: Curvy view.
Suburb taken: Brisbane City
Prize: $1,500
Social Media Category - Winner
Name: Alex Harding
Title: When the fountains sleep
Description: Taken outside the Queensland Art Gallery. Once the fountains turn off for the night, there is a unique opportunity to capture a moment of two friends walking illuminated by the lights.
Suburb taken: South Brisbane
Prize: $1,500
Green Heart Category - Winner
Name: Nicolas Willemsen
Title: Council of the 'Crest'fallen Choir
Description: Two sulphur crested cockatoos in vivid colour against a black background, one attentive and the other in a classic cheeky pose. Local symbols, local legends.
Suburb taken: The Gap
Prize: $1,500
LaVonne Bobongie Award Winner
Name: Lewis Bin Doraho
Title: Flying low
Description: Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet caught mid-flight during the Riverfire practice run September 2025.
Suburb taken: Brisbane City
Prize: $1,500
Brisbane Postcards Collection Winner
Name: Laurie McDonnell
Title: Colours of the city
Description: The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge all dressed up in the Brisbane Festival decorations.
Suburb taken: Brisbane City
Prize: $500
Brisbane Postcards Collection Winner
Name: Wendy Klein
Title: Brisbane Afterglow
Description: Radiating sunset clouds frame Brisbane's skyline and Story Bridge creating a dramatic evening scene above the Brisbane River.
Suburb taken: Brisbane City
Prize: $500
Brisbane Postcards Collection Winner
Name: Nicola Laidlow
Title: Brisbane Festival
Description: Festival events like Riverfire, show that Brisbane isn’t just a place to live—it’s a community that thrives on connection, celebration and a shared outdoor lifestyle.
Suburb taken: New Farm
Prize: $500
2026 image exhibitions
You can view the winning images of each category and the People’s Choice Award finalists at the following locations.
| Venue | Display details | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Square Foyer 266 George Street, Brisbane City |
People's Choice finalists and the category winner images displayed | Monday 3 August to Friday 28 August |
| Museum of Brisbane Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane City |
Category winner images displayed | Saturday 1 August to Sunday 1 November |
| Brisbane Airport Domestic Terminal (Qantas and Virgin ends) |
Two locations within the domestic terminal will display a selection of category winner images | Monday 3 August to Monday 31 August |
Terms and conditions
Download the terms and conditions for more information about the awards.