In November I entered the prestigious National Photographic Portrait Prize. I had been thinking about entering and had spent months thinking about who I would photograph, how I would create the image and what message I wanted to convey.

I approached my subject whom I greatly admire and pitched the idea for the portrait and thankfully she agreed.

I really didn’t think I’d have a chance and it was my first entry into the NPPP. After collaborating with the subject of my portrait and getting to know her a little better and learn more about her important work, I’d realised that I’d already won. So when I found out I was a Finalist – one of 49 in over 3000 entries, I actually cried when I got the phonecall.

The NPPP2017 award night & announcement is 31 March 2017 at the National Portrait Gallery. The award night isn’t open to the general public but the great news is that the exhibition will be open the next day and it’s free.

I’ll be at the award night with my family, friends and the woman featured in my portrait and I’ll be In Canberra that weekend so if you’re planning on going, drop me a line!

The exhibition is open from 1 April 2017- Sunday 18 June 2017 and then the entire exhibition will tour a range of venues. I’ll keep you posted with venue details when they come to hand.

Thank you to all those people who’ve supported me in so many ways- I am so grateful.

Nat

PS the image is under embargo at present so I’m being discreet but I’ll keep you posted as soon as I can release it!