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.

_{Hero image: Kylie Facey}

2026 winners

The Lord Mayor is pleased to announce the winners of the Lord Mayor's Photographic Awards 2026.

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

People’s Choice Award finalists – voting now closed

From the incredible entries received this year, the following 23 photos were shortlisted as the finalists for the People’s Choice Award.

From Monday 3 August to Friday 28 August, the public had the opportunity to vote for the photo they felt best captured the theme ‘Everyday Brisbane’.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced at the Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 2 September 2026. The winner will also be published on this page after this event.