Head On Portrait Awards

The prestigious Head On Photo Awards celebrates the world’s best in photography, illuminating the perspectives, styles, and forms that break new ground.

They want to challenge emerging photographers to bring audiences new ways of seeing the world. Their dual aim is to ensure photographers are valued for their incredible creative contributions and to create a forum where exceptional images can be shared.

This is underpinned by Head On’s diverse and experienced curation team, which actively seeks bold, daring, and exciting images. Head On’s blind judging process, where artists’ names are hidden, ensures this work is done on an even playing field.

Every photo is judged on impact alone, which reflects their unique curation philosophy. Head On believes that curation must consider both the seen and the unseen. Truly great photographs reveal a truth about our world without sacrificing the imagination. They allow us to dream of what it would be like to be on the ground when a photo was made and give us a fleeting glimpse into the life unfolding around the moment.

The Head On Portrait Awards (est. 2004) is a prestigious competition that recognises the talents of portrait photographers at all career stages. Prizes are awarded to artists who demonstrate a unique visual literacy of portraiture and innovative approaches to the traditional portrait form, expanding our idea of what a portrait can be.

Posed or candid, intimate or public, dynamic or static, these portraits explore the future of photography and the depths of the human condition.