Calling all young photographers in Canberra!

Are you a Year 7–12 student with a passion for photography? Enter the 2025 CMAG Secondary School Photography Prize for a chance to showcase your work and win a share of $700+ in prizes sponsored by Ted's Cameras!

2025 Theme - Taglietti: Life in Design

Entrants are invited to respond to the Taglietti: Life in Design exhibition. Enrico Taglietti was one of the most influential mid-century Italian-Australian architects and designed many prominent public buildings in Canberra including the Italian Embassy, Dickson Library, Centre Cinema, Flynn Primary and many private residences.

Be inspired by Enrico Taglietti’s design philosophy and visionary architecture, on display at Canberra Museum and Gallery (7 June 2025 – 22 Feb 2026).

Creative prompts to explore may include:

• Architecture – Playful angles, striking silhouettes, or hidden details in buildings.
• Urban Spaces – The rhythm of city life, movement, pattern and contrast.
• Interior Design – Light, shape and shadow defining a space.
• Designed Objects – Everyday forms with extraordinary design.

Competition Details

• FREE entry for all secondary students attending school in the ACT.
• Prizes awarded in two categories: Years 7–10 & Years 11–12.
• A selection of entries will be exhibited at CMAG as part of Taglietti: Life in Design.
• FREE entry to the exhibition for all visitors.

Prizes

This year Ted’s Cameras are on-board as the major sponsor for the 2025 Secondary School Photography Prize, continuing their commitment to foster the next generation of Australian photographers.

Two prize categories: Year 7–10 and Year 11–12.

Prizes include:

• First Prize: $200 gift voucher
• Second Prize: $100 gift voucher
• Highly Commended: $50 gift voucher
• Encouragement Award: a $30 gift voucher

How to Enter

• Entry is FREE. Please enter the CMAG Secondary School Photography Prize via this link.
•  You may enter up to four photographs, in colour or black and white.
• All entries must be submitted as digital files through the online entry form. Maximum file size: 10MB.
• Each file must include the student’s full name and the photograph’s title in the filename (e.g. JohnSmithCivicSquare).
• A signed permission form from a parent or guardian must be included, allowing the student’s first name and second initial, year level and school to be published alongside their work.
• If an entry features a recognisable image of a person under 18, you must also provide the contact details of that person’s parent or carer to grant permission for their likeness to be shown.
• Artist Statement: Include your full name, school, and year level. Briefly explain what inspired your work and how you created it.

Terms and Conditions

• Entry is open to all secondary school students enrolled in years 7 through 12 in the Australian Capital Territory in 2025.
• Immediate family of Cultural Facilities Corporation employees are ineligible to enter.
• By participating in this competition, students, teachers, parents, and carers understand that student work will be used for current and future promotional purposes. Appropriate artist credit will be given when used for promotional purposes.
• CMAG reserves the right to display selected works only. Captions will include the student’s first name and second initial, year level and school.
• The work may be produced as part of study or school requirements, but this is not a pre-requisite. Participants do not need to be studying art or a photography-related course.
• No responsibility will be taken for digital files submitted. Digital files will not be returned.