The Gold Coast Photography Awards 2025 is an upcoming competition that invites photographers from across Australia to capture the essence of the Gold Coast’s beauty, culture, and unique charm. Open to both professional and amateur photographers aged 18 and above, this contest provides a platform to showcase diverse perspectives of the Gold Coast, from its golden beaches and vibrant oceans to its lush hinterlands and dynamic cityscapes. Submissions are open from March 1 to March 31, 2025, offering participants a full month to present their best work.
The competition encompasses six distinct categories: Landscape, Surf & Waves, GC Lifestyle, Creative, Underwater, and Wildlife. Each category is designed to highlight different facets of the Gold Coast, encouraging photographers to explore various themes and subjects. The awards are structured to recognize excellence in each category, with individual prizes for category winners and an overall grand prize for the best submission across all categories.
Prizes for the Gold Coast Photography Awards 2025 are tailored to support photographers in their creative endeavors. The overall winner will receive a $1,000 Nikon voucher and a $5,000 voucher to create their own photography website with Larisa Loves Brands. Each category winner will be awarded $200 in cash, a Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary day & dusk double pass valued at $220, and a pair of Shade Eyewear valued at $145. Additionally, all category winners and runners-up will have their work printed and framed for display at the Awards Night, with exhibition costs covered by the organizers.
A submission fee of AUD $10 applies per entry, with no limit on the number of submissions per photographer. This straightforward process, combined with the opportunity to have work exhibited and recognized, makes the Gold Coast Photography Awards 2025 an appealing prospect for photographers aiming to showcase their talent and gain exposure.
The Gold Coast Photography Awards 2025 Prizes
The Gold Coast Photography Awards 2025 presents a range of prizes designed to recognize and support photographic talent:
- Overall Winner: Receives a $1,000 Nikon voucher and a $5,000 voucher to create a personalized photography website with Larisa Loves Brands.
- Category Winners: Each of the six category winners will be awarded $200 in cash, a Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary day & dusk double pass valued at $220, and a pair of Shade Eyewear valued at $145.
- Exhibition Opportunities: All category winners and runners-up will have their work printed and framed for display at the Awards Night, with all associated costs covered by the organizers.
These prizes not only offer financial rewards but also provide valuable exposure and opportunities for professional development.
The Categories of the Gold Coast Photography Awards 2025
The Gold Coast Photography Awards 2025 features six categories, each focusing on a unique aspect of the Gold Coast:
Landscape: Showcases the stunning natural locations and landmarks of the Gold Coast, from the hinterland to the beach and everything in between. Photo compositing is accepted in this category for technical purposes.
Surf & Waves: Highlights the powerful beach breaks and points that make the Gold Coast a World Surfing Reserve. This category invites submissions capturing the best swells and surfing moments.
GC Lifestyle: Depicts the vibrant lifestyle of the Gold Coast, including surf life-saving culture, healthy living along the esplanades, the music scene, food, nightlife, and the diverse faces of locals.
Creative: Encourages uniqueness, experimentation, and creativity, allowing participants to play with light, speed, and abstract concepts. Photo-composite images are welcome in this category.
Underwater: Explores the underwater world of the Gold Coast, from ocean humans to marine species, capturing the unique coexistence below the surface. This category extends to areas from North Stradbroke Island to Byron Bay.
Wildlife: Celebrates the beauty, power, and raw essence of wildlife in their natural habitats, from the tiniest insects to majestic predators. Ethical photography practices are encouraged.
Gold Coast Photography Awards 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Key dates and entry fees for the competition are as follows:
Submissions Open: March 1, 2025
Submissions Close: March 31, 2025
Finalists Announced: First week of May 2025
Awards Night: End of May 2025
Entry Fee: AUD $10 per submission
Participants can submit multiple entries, with each submission requiring a separate entry fee.
About the Jury
The competition boasts a distinguished panel of judges, each bringing unique expertise to the evaluation process:
- Ray Bishop: Ray Bishop is an award-winning designer and photographer with over three decades of experience.
- Liz Cantor is a multifaceted Australian media personality with a background in competitive surfing, journalism, and television presenting.
- Brigette Mallos is a Nikon Australia Creator and a landscape/seascape photographer renowned for her intuitive, light-driven compositions.
- Jake Wilton is an award-winning nature photographer with a deep passion for ocean and wildlife photography.
- Narelle Carter is an experienced photographer who started her career as a news photographer.
Each judge will evaluate entries based on technical excellence, artistic merit, category impact, emotional & visual appeal, and ethical considerations to ensure that winning images reflect both creativity and photographic mastery.
Why Enter the Gold Coast Photography Awards 2025?
The Gold Coast Photography Awards 2025 is more than just a competition—it’s a platform for photographers to gain recognition, showcase their skills, and celebrate the diverse beauty of the Gold Coas. This contest provides an opportunity to share your perspective and be part of an exclusive exhibition.
With six categories, participants can submit images that best represent their style, from landscapes and surf photography to creative and wildlife captures. The prizes—which include a $1,000 Nikon voucher, a $5,000 photography website voucher, cash prizes, and exhibition opportunities—make this competition particularly appealing for those looking to further their photographic journey.
For photographers looking for the best photo contests to enter in 2025, this competition stands out as a great opportunity to gain recognition, win prizes, and have their work exhibited. It celebrates the essence of the Gold Coast’s landscapes, surf culture, lifestyle, and wildlife, making it an exciting contest for those passionate about visual storytelling.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
