The Ballarat International Foto Biennale Martin Kantor Portrait Prize is an exceptional opportunity for photo media artists to showcase their talent and have their work viewed at one of the most prestigious photographic events in Australia. The prize is acquisitive, with the first prize of $15,000 awarded to the most exceptional portrait. The winner and finalists are showcased in an exhibition during the Ballarat International Foto Biennale 2025.

Martin was a photographer and philanthropist known for his arresting portraits of famous musicians and artists like Iggy Pop, Grace Jones, Paul Kelly, painter Adam Cullen, Howard Arkley and conceptual artist Dale Frank. The Australian band, Hunters and Collectors used his image of the lead singer, Mark Seymour, for an album cover that is a classic representation of Australian rock and roll. Martin founded the well-known St Kilda gallery, Brightspace and strongly supported environmental causes, First Nations and reconciliation.

JUDGES
Natasha Bullock, Senior Curator, National Gallery of Victoria
Alexander Robinson, Director, Photoaccess
Stephen Payne, Creative Activation Producer, Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Main image: 2025 Winner – Bronwyn Kidd, Polly Borland No. 1, 2025, featuring photographer, Polly Borland

FINALISTS

T W Baker
Dane Beesley
Simon Dow
Adam Ferguson
Naomi Herzog
Petrina Hicks
Ian Kemp
Bronwyn Kidd
Joy Mei En Lai
Kellie Leczinska
Bec Lorrimer
Thérèse Maher
Mia Mala McDonald
Rod McNicol
Alan Mitchell
Matthew Newton
Tajette O’Halloran
Suzanne Phoenix
David Rosetzky
Forough Yavari

Image carousel (all images in detail):

T W Baker, Cooee in Kirli’s Backyard, 2025
Dane Beesley, Law, 2024
Simon Dow, Callum, 2025
Adam Ferguson, Tim Winton, 2024
Naomi Herzog, Harry Nankin, 2018
Petrina Hicks, Peter Singer, 2024
Ian Kemp, Yual Reath, 2025
Bronwyn Kidd, Polly Borland No. 1, 2025
Joy Mei En Lai, Anne Zahalka Returns to Bondi, 2024
Kellie Leczinska, Merryn Schriever – Director Bonhams Australia – ‘Rare Birds’, 2025
Bec Lorrimer, Khaled Sabsabi Prophesy, 2025
Thérèse Maher, Tim, 2025
Mia Mala McDonald, Troye Sivan, 2023
Rod McNicol, Portrait of Gary Foley, 2024
Alan Mitchell, Ken, fifty years a wordsmith, 2023
Matthew Newton, The Giants, 2020
Tajette O’Halloran, Missy, 2023
Suzanne Phoenix, John Gollings, 2024
David Rosetzky, Hoda, 2017
Forough Yavari, Bleeding Inside, 2025