Australian Life is one of the nation’s biggest – and most democratic – photography prizes.

Take an intimate journey through contrasting scenes of love, destruction, and cheek with this year’s Australian Life photography prize finalists.

From heart-achingly intimate portraits to larger-than-life spectacles, these 28 images encapsulate Australia’s unique personality.

Every image demands a response, and some may linger in your mind beyond leaving Hyde Park.

Youthful defiance, loss, small town stardom, quiet reflections, and renewed vitality – these documented moments represent a multitude of stories that make up Australian Life.

About Australian Life

For more than 15 years, amateur and professional photographers have sent in their epic and intimate images of Australia. The finalists, and the $10,000 grand prize winner, were chosen by a panel of professional photographers, artists, and curators.

Australian Life is produced by the City of Sydney as part of Art & About Sydney, an ongoing program of temporary art projects in unusual spaces.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore and competition judges will reveal the grand prize winner and people’s choice award on Thursday 15 September.

View all the finalist images.

2022 Finalists

• Alex Brunton
• Amy Iacullo
• Anabel Litchfield
• Bob McKendry
• Brad Walls
• Brian Cassey
• Claire Edwards
• Elise Derwin
• Elise Idiens
• Harry Cole
• Hyeong soo Jang
• Joel Pratley
• Katelyn Slyer
• Matthew Abbott
• Matthew Thorne
• Mike Keevers
• Nash Ferguson
• Natalie Grono
• Penelope Green
• Phil Duval
• Rachael Willis
• River Bennett
• Ron Rungsaroj
• Rose Hartley
• Stuart Miller
• Todd Kennedy
• Tony Blackwell
• Zelko Nedic