FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition (2026)

HomeFOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition (2026)

The FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition is our annual community photographic exhibition. Open to photographers of all ages and skill levels, this exhibition showcases an array of diverse images from amongst a number of different categories.

A staple on our exhibition calendar since 2011, the FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition is well received by area photographers and attracts entrants from Cairns to Townsville including the Tablelands and surrounds.

This year, photographers will compete for prizes across 13 categories, with entrants also eligible for the Display Team Prize, People's Choice Award and Judges' Choice Award. All award prizes are generously sponsored by area individuals and businesses. We are incredibly grateful for their support.

Our major event sponsor will officially open the FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition on Friday, 13 March at 6pm. Opening Night is a ticketed event and advance bookings are required.

The FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition will be on display from 13 March – 21 April at Mission Arts and can be viewed daily during Gallery Open Hours (10am-2pm).

Following the Awards Presentation on Opening Night (13 March), images can also be viewed and purchased online via our Online Exhibition Catalogue.

The FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition will conclude with the announcement of the People’s Choice Award on 22 April.

award categories

Abstract and Still Life
Artistic captures of inanimate objects or scenes.

Macro
Images that showcase the subject larger than life size.

People (Portraits/Groups/Crowds)
Images must depict people as the primary subject and may include street photography and portraits.

Animals
Images must depict animals as the primary subject.

Sports/Action
Images may depict individual or team sports or sporting events as the primary subject.

The Michael Johnson Landscape Award
Sponsored by Sarah Johnson
Images must depict the natural environment. [*]

The Michael Johnson Seascape Award
Sponsored by Sarah Johnson
Images must depict the natural environment. [*]

Townscapes of the Cassowary Coast
Images including subjects that are part of a place/town.
(e.g signage, cultural/historic landmarks, shopfronts or markets, unique or quirky points of interest) [*]

Travel
Images may depict subjects or scenes taken on your travels outside the Cassowary Coast Region.

Underwater Photography
Images must depict the underwater environment.

Wet Tropics Flora and Fauna
Images must depict animals or plants from Far North Queensland as the primary subject.

Youth (13-18 years)
Images may depict any subject.

Child (5-12 years)
Images may depict any subject.

in addition to the above category-specific awards,
all entrants will be eligible for the following awards:

Display Team Prize

Judges' Choice Award

People's Choice Award

[*] In these categories, entries may include humans or animals as a minor element of the composition

key dates

Entries Close
Friday, 27 February (2pm)

Electronic Image Delivery to Mission Arts
Friday, 27 February (2pm)

Printed Image Delivery to Mission Arts
Saturday, 7 March (10am-2pm) OR
Wednesday 11 March (10am-2pm)

Exhibition Opening Night & Awards Presentation
Friday, 13 March (6pm)

Judges' Commentary & Feedback Session
Saturday, 14 March (10am)

Announcement of People's Choice Award Winner
Wednesday, 22 April

Artwork Collection
Wednesday, 22 April - Friday, 24 April (10am-2pm)