Since its inception the National Portrait Gallery has displayed a dedication and enthusiasm for both Australian and International photography. The Gallery has staged many popular solo photographic exhibitions by renowned photographers and the Gallery's permanent collection holds an impressive body of photographic works created by some of Australia's most talented photographers.

Photography is the most pervasive and popular medium for portraiture and makes a natural fit with the Gallery, being a natural extension of the Gallery's longstanding commitment to photography as a contemporary portrait medium.

With the generous support of Visa International Service Association, the National Portrait Gallery is offering a prize of $25,000 for the most outstanding photographic portrait.