Final Call: Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographers 2026

As the creative calendar begins to fill for the year, photographers across the region are reminded that submissions for the 18th annual Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographers competition are set to close very soon on 22 March. 

Hosted by our sister publication, Capture, the competition remains one of the most significant platforms for identifying and elevating new talent within the Australian and New Zealand photographic communities.

The program is specifically designed for ‘emerging’ practitioners – defined as those with less than four years of professional experience, though it remains a popular avenue for dedicated amateurs.

With nine diverse categories ranging from Portrait and Landscape to Documentary and Animal, the competition offers a broad scope for various photographic disciplines. 

What sets Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographers apart from many other competitions is its fundamental focus on the portfolio.

While a single lucky frame can be striking, this competition challenges photographers to demonstrate a deeper level of maturity and consistency by submitting a series of three related images (five for Documentary) proving that their results are consistent and thought out.

Entering a portfolio requires a different mindset than entering a single-shot award. It’s an exercise in visual storytelling and editing. The judges aren't just looking for technical proficiency; they are looking for a ‘signature’ – a cohesive narrative, a consistent aesthetic, or a thematic thread that binds the images together.

For those who don’t feel they have a strong enough series of images, there is always the popular ‘Single Shot’ category.

New to the competition is another single-entry category – ‘Shot On Film’, which as the name suggests, has to be shot on actual film.

Beyond the recognition of being a finalist, the 2026 prize pool is a practical incentive for those looking to upgrade their kit. This year, winners and runners-up will share in a total value of over $27,000.

This includes $9,000 in cash, a Fujifilm GFX100SII and lens kit valued at over $10,000, and several WD storage prize packs.

For the readers of Australian Photography, this competition represents more than just a prize opportunity; it is a chance to have your work reviewed by a panel of industry professionals.

Successful entries are also showcased in a special print-on-demand edition of the magazine, providing a tangible addition to a professional portfolio.

Submissions are set to close on March 22, 2026 – so if you have been refining a body of work over the summer, or over the past few years, now is the time to finalize and submit your portfolios. 

You can enter here.