Winners of Head On Portrait Prize 2012 announced

The winners were chosen from more than 2,500 entries and 40 finalists.

Three of the photographers – Chris Budgeon (Elsternwick, Victoria), David Manley (Darlinghurst, NSW ) and Tracey Nearmy (Bondi, NSW ) – were equal winners of the Head On Portrait Prize, while Loise Whelan (Avalon, NSW ) won the Head On Critic’s Choice.

“The calibre of entries this year was extremely high,” said Head On founder, Moshe Rosenzveig.

“We received over 2,500 entries… The judging process was extremely arduous in determining the winner however the images were chosen for their photographic technique and artistic merit.”

The winners will share more than $50,000 in prizes as well as the highly coveted Head On Portrait Prize award.

The award was judged by award winning photographer Tamara Dean, Monash Gallery Director Shaune Lakin, ABC broadcaster and collector Robbie Buck and Head On curator Moshe Rosenzveig. Robert McFarlane judged the Critics Choice.

Winners and finalists will be on show at the Australian Centre for Photography in Paddington from 4 May to 3 June (daily 10am to 5pm).

The Head On Portrait Prize was founded by Moshe Rosenzveig in 2004 with the main selection criteria being the quality and impact of the image, rather than the celebrity of the photographer or subject. Head On has since grown into a month-long annual photo festival in Sydney. This year the Head On Photo Festival comprises more than 200 photo exhibitions and events across Sydney and runs from 4 May to 3 June.

Head On Portrait Prize on Artabase