The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018 officially opened its exhibition at the Glasshouse on February 15.
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The prize is an annual event intended to promote the very best in contemporary photographic portraiture by both professional and aspiring Australian photographers.
Now in its eleventh year, the 43 photos selected in 2018 came from 3,224 entries to form the exhibition.
Exhibition curator Christopher Chapman said he was delighted to be in Port Macquarie for the opening.
“We always tour the annual photographic prize in different regions around Australia and this year we are excited to be bring it to NSW and Victoria,” Mr Chapman said.
“The prize is open for Australian residents aged over 18 and really does encompass a wide range of perspectives and people.
“The subjects and artists come from all walks of life and represents the cultural diversity that is found in Australia.”
The National Portrait Gallery aims to increase the understanding of the Australian people – their identity, history, creativity and culture – through portraiture and Mr Chapman said there is a rawness to the exhibition.
“The great thing about the exhibition is that despite people having different life experiences there is a common link that binds us all,” he said.
“We all experience challenges and triumphs and this exhibitions looks to show that.
“The judges do not pick the winners around certain themes but usually there is something that ties the exhibition together. This year there is a sense of tentative optimism around the works in the collection.”
What is the secret to taking a good photograph? Mr Chapman said it is all about drawing emotion from the subject.
“These days anyone can take a great photograph but I think there are two things people need to take into consideration to take a good photograph.
“Firstly the formal artistic quality; the composition, lighting and size and every good photo makes the audience feel something.
“A great photograph should give you a good sense of who the subject is. Every photographer has their own style but a good photograph makes you feel something.”
The exhibition will be on display at the Glasshouse until April 22.
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