The City of Sydney is inviting established and amateur photographers around Australia to take part in one of the country’s biggest photography competitions.

Australian Life showcases images of Australia in all its forms, with finalists’ images blown up into giant portraits for an outdoor exhibition in Hyde Park from 15 September to 9 October.

The annual exhibition offers one of the biggest cash photography prizes in the country.

Twenty finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and the winner of the $10,000 prize announced at the opening of the exhibition on Thursday 15 September.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the competition provides an insight into the lives of people from across the nation, showcasing Australia as a country that offers many varied and unique experiences.

“Since the competition started 15 years ago, we’ve had thousands and thousands of submissions, each depicting the unique characteristics of the Australian way of life,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The Australian Life exhibition is a much-loved annual exhibition that brings together friends, families, the community and visitors to delight in images that celebrate our diverse culture and landscapes.

“I encourage photographers across the country to let their imaginations run wild as they capture what Australian life means to them.”

Last year, Michaela Skovranova won the $10,000 prize for her image, Ocean Lovers, described by 2015 judge Tamara Dean as “a sublime moment that is emotionally charged – it elevates a sense of connection between two human beings.”

Australian Life is part of the City’s year-round Art & About Sydney program that showcases various forms of art in unusual spaces around Sydney.

Who: Art & About

What: The Australian Life competition

When: opens on 17 June and closes on 29 July.

To read more about the competition, including terms and conditions, click here!