Illawarra Images Photography Prize
Capture Wollongong's living history and win a share of $2,000.
We're calling on local photographers and photography enthusiasts to capture the spirit of Wollongong today.
Show us what speaks to you about Wollongong - it's people, places, events and everyday moments - and help build a vibrant visual archive for future generations.
With categories for kids, teens and adults, the Illawarra Images Photography Prize is your chance to share your view of the world and make your mark on local history. You'll also go in the running to win a share of $2,000 In prizes!
Entries close 31 July 2026.
You must read and agree to the Terms and Conditions prior to entering. Contact us online if you require any assistance.
Image content
You can submit up to three photographs. They should reflect the character and culture of our region and be taken within the Wollongong Local Government Area. Subjects we're looking for include:
- Streetscapes and architecture
- Festivals, arts and community events
- Sports, clubs, recreation and outdoor life
- Neighbourhoods, everyday life and lived experiences
We are not looking for standard nature shots of beaches, bushland or parks unless they include people, places, activities or cultural details that show life in the Wollongong region.
Time frame
Photographs taken after 1 June 2025 are eligible, provided they cover the image content we're looking for and quality standards outlined in 'Image requirements'.
Ownership
Photographs published or sold previously cannot be submitted.
Example photos
Format and size
To ensure all entries can be judged fairly and displayed at high quality, submitted images must meet the following requirements:
- Images must be submitted in JPEG (JPG), PNG or TIFF format.
- Images must be high resolution, with a minimum of 3000 pixels on the longest side (either width or height).
- Images must not exceed 50mb per photo.
- Photos may be taken using any camera, including smartphones, compact cameras, mirrorless cameras, and DSLRs, provided they meet the requirements above.
Copyright
You need to be the Copyright owner of the image and the Copyright remains with you.
By entering you grant Wollongong City Libraries a non-exclusive licence to publish and display the image under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (CC BY NC ND 4.0). This allows selected entries to be added to the Illawarra Images collection and made publicly accessible via the library catalogue, with correct attribution to the copyright holder and creator. The public may then share the materials with appropriate credit for non-commercial purposes without modification.
The Illawarra Images Photography Prize is open to residents and visitors of the Wollongong region. The competition is free to enter with three age categories:
Ages 6-12
Ages 13-17
Open 18+
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded in each age category. $2,000 prize money is provided by the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries.
| Category | First prize | Second prize | Third prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 6-12 | $200 | $100 | $50 |
| Ages 13-17 | $350 | $200 | $100 |
| Open 18+ | $600 | $300 | $100 |
Judging criteria
Images will be judged on:
- Uniqueness in reflecting contemporary life in Wollongong;
- Significance in reflecting the current culture, environmental and social conditions in Wollongong;
- Inclusion of Image content outlined in What we're looking for; and
- Technical quality.
Winner announcement and presentation
Winners will be announced during History Week from 5 to 9 September 2026 and prizes awarded at a presentation evening at Wollongong Library.
An exhibition of selected entrant photographs will be displayed at Wollongong Library from 5 September 2026.
Proudly supported by the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries