Images capturing Brisbane’s rainy city streets, backyard summers, local wildlife and river views are the focus of the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards.
This year’s theme, Everyday Brisbane, attracted more than 2200 entries depicting Brisbane life — from familiar landmarks and suburban streets to wildlife, cultural traditions and quiet moments with family and friends.
Gordon Park photographer Tyler Sharman won the Open Category for Rush Hour, showing a lone pedestrian racing to escape a downpour at the corner of Edward and Adelaide streets.
Wynnum’s Nigel Wesley placed second with Shooting the Breeze, capturing neighbours enjoying an afternoon chat.
And Bulimba’s Jonathan Wood placed third with Australia — a nostalgic image of a child enjoying a sprinkler and a trampoline on a summer day.
Maria Pena won the Student Category for Quiet Mornings, while Lewis Bin Doraho received the Lavonne Bobongie Award for Flying Low, featuring a Super Hornet during a Riverfire practice run.
The Green Heart Category went to Nicolas Willemsen for a colourful portrait of two sulphur-crested cockatoos titled Council of the “Crest” fallen Choir, while Alex Harding won the Social Media Category with When the Fountains Sleep, showing two friends walking outside the Queensland Art Gallery at night.
Three photographs were also chosen for the new Brisbane Postcards Collection:
Laurie McDonnell’s Colours of the City, featuring the Kangaroo Point Bridge lit for the Brisbane Festival,
Wendy Klein’s sunset skyline Brisbane Afterglow,
and Nicola Laidlow’s Brisbane Festival, celebrating the city’s love of outdoor events.
Twenty-three People’s Choice finalists will now compete for the public vote.
Voting opens at 10am on Monday 3 August via the Council website.
People can see the winning photographs and People’s Choice finalists at free exhibitions across Brisbane:
Museum of Brisbane: August 1 to November 1
Brisbane Square: August 3-28
Brisbane Airport Domestic Terminal: August 3-31
