OPEN & ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD

We Are Women.
I wanted the image to resemble a painting, almost reminiscent of a paint swatch. One among many shades. We are women, in all our shapes and sizes and scars and stories.
I wanted to reduce the graphic impact of so much skin, so at a glance you would see a wash of paint, on further inspection you would see the lines, and then so much more.

Roses.
Glamis Castle roses during lockdown. Refinding beauty in plain sight.

Temporary Coalescence.
Are we single, cohesive personalities, or are our identities fragments that shift and change, coalescing into temporary arrangement depending (as in quantum mechanics) on who is observing? Collage of direct positive self-portraits from 4x5 camera and hand-developed by the photographer. Drawn fragment sketched on glass while looking and loaded in the camera to burn onto the paper during exposure

The greatest fear, 2019 .
This image is about grief, loss and fear. After losing my dad, I often find myself paralysed by the thought of my mother passing away. They say that the time heals all wounds, but I'd say it just gives us time to contemplate and come to terms with the inevitable. The two portraits were taken at different times/years: mine closely following the death of my dad in 2011, and mum's in 2019.

Botanica.
During lockdown my garden has been a constant source of healing, inspiration and connection to my ancestors. Even in death their is beauty.

Photo Collective invites photographers residing in Australia or Australian citizens living overseas to enter the 2021 APA Open & Illustrative Award.

Supported by Nikon Australia, Momento Pro, Urth and Format Framing

Since launching in 2016, the APA Open & Illustrative Award has created an important space for the changing ways Australian photographers make imagery.

We seek to award and celebrate new and experimental modes of photography alongside traditional methods which allow us to find meaning through experimentation. This can include traditional analogue techniques or digital manipulations.

Our committee is particularly interested in the use of new technologies or contemporary uses of traditional technology. We encourage the incorporation of mixed media or alternative processes and value the freedom to find expression outside of traditional photographic confines. When viewing work, we consider intent and meaning alongside technical ability.

We seek to recognise work which can open important dialogues and explore big ideas through photography. Our committee considers context beyond the surface of the image. We do not encourage work which exploits, endangers, harms or stereotypes. For this reason, image statements are a valuable tool in conveying concepts, techniques and ideas. We encourage entrants to consider pairing their photographs with words.

PRIZES INCLUDE

• (1x) Nikon Z7 Camera body + NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S kit valued at A$4,500
• (1x) Format Framing (print and frame) voucher (600 x 900 mm) valued at A$310
• (1x) Momento Pro Voucher valued at A$100
• (1x) Urth ND Selects Filter Kit Plus+ valued between A$90 – A$279
• (1x) 1 hour Mentorship Session with Photo Collective valued at A$195
• (1x) Ilford Sprite 35-II reusable camera valued at A$60
• (1x) 12 month membership to Photo Collective valued at A$75
• Featured in the 2021 APA Annual

CATEGORY GUIDELINES

All elements must be 100% produced by the entrant, including textures and borders. No stock photography is allowable
Please do not add any watermarks to your entries. All entries with watermarks on will be disqualified
Please do not enter any images that have been entered into APA in previous years as they will be disqualified