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 aps photobook awards

We are delighted to welcome back PhotobookSHOP.com as our Major Sponsor. Click here to find out more about the high quality Photobook services offered by PhotobookSHOP.com.au and how they can help you prepare your entry in this years APS PhotoBook Awards.

icon rightarrow  Jump to Winning Entries 2025

 

Total PRIZE POOL ....
Provided by APS and APS Print Group and PhotobookSHOP.com.au

First, second, and third-placed entries in both categories will receive gift certificates from PhotobookSHOP.com. Total value of the prize pool will be $1,400.

Place-getters will also receive APS e-Certiicates suitable for printing and social media publication.

  • Entry is FREE and open to all APS members and Australian camera club members
  • Entries must be submitted as printed books, using a printer of your choice
  • Entrants may submit one book in each category
  • There is no limit to the size, format, or number of pages

 

Send or deliver entries to: APS Photo Book Awards
20 Hawthorne Ave, Ashgrove QLD 4060

For further details contact Paul Balfe -  paul.balfe@a-p-s.org.au

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Key Dates

Entries Open 1 September 2026
Entries Close 23 October 2026
Judging 31 October 2026
Winners Announced 12 November 2026

Category Definitions

The categories for the APS Photo Book Awards will be Open and Portfolio.

Open Category Entries

Entries in the Open category are open to any entrant who is a member of APS and/or an Australian camera club, and to group entries prepared by two or more members of any Australian camera club. The subject matter is unrestricted, with the author free to choose any theme, subject or topic.

Judging criteria will include excellence and fitness for purpose in photography; selection and sequencing of images; design, layout and typography; and originality of concept and design. The images in the book should provide an engaging visual narrative and should work together to deliver an overall visual impact that is “greater than the sum of the parts”. Text supporting the visual narrative may be included but is not a compulsory element.

Portfolio Category Entries

A Portfolio photo book presents a thoughtfully curated body of work in which the photographs combine to express a cohesive theme, concept, or artistic vision which may be described in accompanying text. More than simply a collection of strong individual images, it should present a unified and engaging narrative or perspective, with each photograph making a meaningful contribution to the whole.

A successful portfolio photo book demonstrates both artistic creativity and technical excellence, resulting in a body of work that is cohesive, compelling, and memorable.

Judges

A panel of three expert judges including APS Past President Margaret O’Grady EFIAP/s GMAPS SAPS PSQA, Dr Anne Russell LRPS AFIAP PSQA, and APS Senior Vice President Paul Balfe EFIAP MAPS PSQA, will review the books, choosing the place-getters from the highest scoring entries and providing feedback to all participants.

Entry

Participants can enter one book in each section. Format and page length of books is unrestricted and entrants are free to choose their preferred book publisher. The author’s name may be included on the book cover.


Entrants should complete the online entry form on the APS Website.
Entrants will be asked to upload a photo of themselves (max. 2Mb) as part of the online entry process.

Entries should be mailed or delivered to:

APS Photo Book Awards, 20 Hawthorne Ave, Ashgrove, QLD 4060

Entrants wishing to have their book/s returned by post must include a fully pre-paid, self-addressed mailing satchel.
 
Opening date for receipt of entries is 1 September 2026.

Closing date for receipt of entries is 23 October 2026.
Judging will take place on 31 October 2026.
Winners will be announced (via Zoom) on 12 November 2026.



For further details contact Paul Balfe – paul.balfe@a-p-s.org.au

APS Photo Book Comp - Winners 2025

2025 APS Photo Book Awards Winners Announced

Picture 1

Now in its tenth year, the Australian Photographic Society’s Annual Photo Book Awards 2025, sponsored by PhotobookShop.com and the APS Print Group, attracted entries from APS and camera club members across Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. A wide variety of photographic genres, subjects and book-making techniques were represented.

OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS

   

detour by adrian whear

   
 

‘The Studio Project’
by Christine Hall  
A.Photog.ANZIPP
APS Member


Prizes: $250 cash and $350 Photobookshop voucher

Take a look inside the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63-R0aQykLg

Judges said:

"A beautiful book on a unique and significant subject. The design, concept, sequencing and photography work seamlessly.”

“A clever, multi-layered concept that has been beautifully executed. The result is a large format book that would be a handsome addition to the studios and galleries of any of the featured artists or in the lounge areas of local accommodation houses.”

“Excellent, professional design standards and high-quality photography throughout. The inclusion of QR codes that link to videos and sound recordings of the artists in their studios is innovative and elevates the book to a multi-media showcase of the featured artists in their studio environments.”


 

   
   


‘The Rocketgirl Chronicles’ by Andrew Rovenko
APS Member

Prizes: $150 cash and $250 Photobookshop voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjAGOur68ag

The Rocketgirl Chronicles’ was awarded as:
 
"Excellent concept. Style of photographs fits beautifully with the concept. The inclusion of non-photograph images are welcome and nice surprises.”
 
“The colour grading gives the images a wonderful filmic look and a slightly surreal, dreamlike character. Apart from the Rocketgirl, who ties together virtually all the images, there are several clever recurrent themes which give the portfolio a sense of cohesion: buses, caravans and transportation devices of all kinds, from shopping trolleys to car wrecks to airliners; abandoned industrial sites; grungy urban scapes; graffiti-encrusted walls; wires and aerials. None of this feels accidental, it is all part of the story.”


 

   
   


‘Layers of the Kaleidoscope Qween’ by Chrissie Hall
APS Member

Prizes: $100 cash and $100 Photobookshop voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dcRFFkNnwg

What did the judges think?
 
"Layers of Kaleidoscope if a perfect title for this book. The design of the book, from the paper choice, fonts and backgrounds flawlessly match the concept and photographs.”
 
“This book is much more than a series of vibrant, sassy photo essays: it is a touching tribute to a deep, long-term partnership, the distillation of a 15-year artistic collaboration between photographer and model, each one muse to the other.”


 

   

TRAVEL CATEGORY WINNERS

 
 
   


‘Living the Dream’ by Ivan Glaser
APS Member

Prizes: $250 cash and $350 Photobookshop voucher

Take a look inside the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsBcpfH1QNw

Judges said:

"Quite stunning imagery throughout the book. The flat layout book fits perfectly for these images.”
 
“Exceptional, stunning photography throughout. The individual images leap of the page. In terms of organisation and flow, there is no obvious logic to the sequencing of images. However … that may be quite deliberate: just like on safari, one never knows what is coming around the corner!”
 
“Almost impossible to fault, this book contains many amazing action shots of high quality. The layout is superb with several two-page spreads which are really effective."


 

   
   

‘The Emotion of Iceland / L'emozione dell'Islanda’ by Greg McMillan & Giuliano Maretto
APS Member

Prizes: $150 cash and $250 Photobookshop voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCuwlYv8j0g

Judges’ comments included:
 
"Good choice of book size and layout design for the images and concept. A collaborative photobook is a lovely and unique idea which has been well thought out. Great idea having a thumbnail index to keep the text away from the images.  The colour of the background did clash with the colour palette of some of the images. A neutral colour or white might have worked better.”
 
“What a clever idea to bring together the images of two different photographers, with two different perspectives on the same shared journey, in this way. Placing passages of English and Italian text side-by-side serves not only to identify the creator of each image, but to highlight another dimension of this photo travel experience:  two couples, long-time friends from different places and backgrounds, coming together in a shared adventure. The bilingual device helps to weave the book together, making it immediately accessible to both couples, their families and friends. I particularly like the fact that, at the back of the book, Giuliano and Greg swap languages, directly addressing the "other" sides and providing thumbnail versions of their images with translations of the accompanying descriptions.”


 

   
   

‘PhotoSouth 2025 Japan’ by Walter Berger LAPS
APS Member

Prizes: $100 cash and $100 Photobookshop voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3rnBZ6LI7Q

Walter’s book ‘PhotoSouth 2025 Japan’ captures his experience travelling through Japan, and particularly the northern island of Hokkaido. The judges noted that the high quality of the photography throughout the book:
 
"A handsome, large-format photo travel book. High quality images throughout stand out nicely against the consistent plain black background.”
 
“A classic ‘travel journal’ approach in which pages of text summarising each day's activities are followed by pages of corresponding photographs. Design and layout are clear and simple.”
 
“I like the choice of a black background - it makes the photos pop …  The narrative tells a good story."


 

   

JUDGING

   

A total of 20 photo books were presented for the judging which took place on 11 October 2025 at Carindale in Brisbane.
 
The three expert judges were:

Yvonne Hill EFIAP/b FAPS BPSA — Founder of the APS Photo Book Awards
David Symons — multi-award winning photographer, photo book creator and collector
Paul Balfe EFIAP MAPS PSQA — APS Senior Vice-President and Photo Book Awards Coordinator
 
The judges separately assessed and rated each book in turn. After the judges’ individual scores were collated, they came together to discuss and agree final rankings.

   
     
2024 william long 2024 marg ogrady

Paul Balfe EFIAP MAPS PSQA 

Yvonne Hill EFIAP/b FAPS BPS

David Symons


The judges awarded the prize-winning books for their excellence and fitness for purpose in photography, sequencing of images, design, layout and typography, originality in concept and design, and visual narrative.
 
All contestants were given written feedback on their entries, the judges providing positive comments highlighting the strengths of each submission as well as offering constructive suggestions where appropriate.

 

APS Photo Book Comp - Winners 2024

2024 APS Photo Book Awards Winners Announced

Picture 1

Now in its ninth year, the 2024 edition of the Australian Photographic Society’s Annual Photo Book Awards attracted entries from APS and camera club members across Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia. A wide variety of photographic genres, subjects and book-making techniques were represented.

OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS

   
detour by adrian whear    
 

‘Through My Window’ by Anne Pappalardo AAPS
APS Member
Queensland Camera Group

Prizes: $250 cash and $350 Camera House voucher

Take a look inside the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21hY7BQyirw

Judges said:
“A delicate treasure of a book.”

“Excellent artist book. The reveal was superb. Well done!”

“Unusual and delightful story. Simple and effective presentation.”

   
finn and the demon slayer by di east    


‘Behind the Scaffolding’ by Martin Leitch
APS Member

Prizes: $150 cash and $250 Camera House voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a84x25ICiw

‘Behind the Scaffolding’ was awarded as "A great example of commercial work extremely well presented...most of the images were excellent. I admired and loved the details and description of the photographic process and what was required to document the progress of restoration. I'm sure that a client would have been thrilled with the results."

"Informative, high-quality images. The choice of fonts was excellent, the layout good and consistent. It was absolutely fit for its purpose. The printing quality is excellent."

   
a book of birds by Ian brewster    


‘Only the shadow knows’ by Lou Gilbert
Brisbane Camera Group

Prizes: $100 cash and $100 Camera House voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiETP57F8xQ

What began for Lou as a bit of diversionary fun during Covid morphed into a clever and quirky collection of street images featuring self-portrait shadow studies. What did the judges think?

"Loved the story, great photography..."

"Great work - well done. This is a small book, but punches above its weight...I love the zine format. It suits the whimsical nature of th subject matter. Having only images in the pages, with the text confined to the inside cover and back cover works well."

   

TRAVEL CATEGORY WINNERS

 
 
antarctica by robin moon    


‘Street vibe LISBON’ by Lou Gilbert
Brisbane Camera Group

Prizes: $250 cash and $350 Camera House voucher

Take a look inside the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AFjfdjrKqg

Judges said:

“Just outstanding in every detail. Stupendously beautiful. This was the first book that I opened, because it made me curious. What a delight to open it, and then to discover the other side to the pages. Amazing captures, brilliantly printed, beautifully presented on exquisite paper. Congratulations, I think I've run out of superlatives.” 


“A fabulous book! Excellent design. I loved that there wasn't a title on the front - it was so exciting to have to open up the book for the reveal. And what a reveal it was!!! Great images, on both sides of the pages.”

   
not just high rise by ross spencer    

‘Quintessential Croatia’ by Anne Pappalardo AAPS
APS Member
Queensland Camera Group

Prizes: $150 cash and $250 Camera House voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNwZaUR-Qjo

‘Quintessential Croatia’ was recognized as a fine example of a photo travel book that captures the essence of the location. Judges’ comments included:
 
“Well-presented and well designed with an attractive and practical ‘lay flat’ binding. The wrap cover is very visually rewarding.”
 
“Good story line. The choice of font and text is subtle, providing just the right amount of information.”
 
“The lovely double-page full-bleeds are particularly enjoyable, while the shooting angles have been skillfully chosen.”

   
NY people and places by anne pappalardo    

‘Sticks & Stones’ by Mel Sinclair
APS Member
Queensland Camera Group

Prizes: $100 cash and $100 Camera House voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quSqYfn8c6c

Mel’s book ‘Sticks & Stones’ captures her experience travelling through iconic landscape locations in North America. The judges noted that the exceptional quality of the photography throughout the book:
 
“… ‘Methuselah’ is one of the most beautiful images I've seen in a book.”
 
“The square format … worked well; it spoke of balance and symmetry which underpinned the beautiful images.”
 
“Very strong images that tell the story of the travel very well.”

   

JUDGING

   

A total of 25 photo books were presented for the judging which took place on 5 October 2024 at Carindale in Brisbane.
 
The three expert judges were:

Lisa Kurtz — Photo-video artist and educator
Margaret O’Grady — APS Past President; EFIAP/b GMAPS PSQA
William Long — Multi-awarded professional photographer
 
The judges separately assessed and rated each book in turn. After the judges’ individual scores were collated, they came together to discuss and agree final rankings.

   
     
2024 lisa kurtz 2024 william long 2024 marg ogrady
Lisa Kurtz William Long Margaret O'Grady

The judges awarded the prize-winning books for their excellence and fitness for purpose in photography, sequencing of images, design, layout and typography, originality in concept and design, and visual narrative.
 
All contestants were given written feedback on their entries, the judges providing positive comments highlighting the strengths of each submission as well as offering constructive suggestions where appropriate.

 

MomentoPro Book Comp - Winners 2023

2023 APS Photo Book Awards Winners Announced

MomentoPro Dark 500

Picture 1

Now in its eighth year, the 2023 edition of the Australian Photographic Society’s Annual Photo Book Awards attracted entries from APS and camera club members across Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia. A wide variety of photographic genres, subjects and book-making techniques were represented.

OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS

   
detour by adrian whear    
 

‘Detour’ by Adrian Whear APSEM
APS Member

Prizes: $250 cash and $350 Momento Pro voucher

Take a look inside the book at https://youtu.be/2avoV-vyU34

Judges said:
“Love everything about it. The reason it came into being, the journey involved photographically, culturally and health wise. The design does complete justice to the excellent, interesting and diverse imagery.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The colour, the excellent photography, the clever viewpoints and wonderful street photography. The index with images is a brilliant idea.”

“Wonderful collection of street images.”

   
finn and the demon slayer by di east    

‘Finn & the Demon Slayer’ by Di East

APS Member

Sunshine Coast Photography Group

Prizes: $150 cash and $250 Momento Pro voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://youtu.be/-yf7Kr0qWQM

‘Finn & the Demon Slayer’ was awarded for its ‘beautiful, intimate, sensitive portrait photo journal of a young man with cystic fibrosis, and the story of his journey from ill-health to better times.’

The judges noted the stylish, simple, professional layout and very high production qualities. They commented on the clever design in which the images documenting the severe effects of the disease are presented in black and white, but they switch to colour as new medication sees Finn’s health improve.

   
a book of birds by Ian brewster    

‘A Book of Birds’ by Ian Brewster

Brisbane Camera Group

Prizes: $100 cash and $100 Momento Pro voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://youtu.be/Hdkb-IJQ8nk

Ian’s ‘Book of Birds’ is a beautifully crafted, handmade concertina fold book.

What did the judges think?

“Amazing! Excellent photography, printing, design, concertina binding, box making. Top quality on every front.”

“Original, awesome, excellent photography and depiction of birds.”

“Wonderfully creative approach to the design and construction of this book. Consistent presentation and handling of the images.”

   

TRAVEL CATEGORY WINNERS

 
 
antarctica by robin moon    

‘Antarctica – Journey to The Sublime’ by Robin Moon
APS Member
Mosman Camera Club

Prizes: $250 cash and $350 Momento Pro voucher

Take a look inside the book at https://youtu.be/Jo5DmY1Day0

The judges noted “Travel photo book perfection!  Evocative title. Striking cover image. Appropriate text colour. Great first page to make me stop, reflect and get ready to take in the book and story.”

“Did panoramas justice with page spans. Immaculate photography, fantastic selection of images — not too many or too few, totally complementary pairing.”

“Beautiful imagery, beautiful design.  Overall, solid presentation of images and supporting information through text. Image editing and presentation is consistent and presents well.”

   
not just high rise by ross spencer    

‘Not Just High Rise’’ by Ross Spencer

Gold Coast Photographic Society

Prizes: $150 cash and $250 Momento Pro voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://youtu.be/xgPGD1s39SU

‘Not Just High Rise’ was recognized as a photo book that ‘looks professional from the very first glance.’ The judges noted that Ross had done a beautiful job of incorporating text and creating a classic, timeless design.  One judge summed up the overall visual impact of the book by saying ‘A substantial, high-quality book that entails good design throughout.’

   
NY people and places by anne pappalardo    

‘New York People and Places’ by Anne Pappalardo AAPS

APS Member

Queensland Camera Group

Prizes: $100 cash and $100 Momento Pro voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://youtu.be/0jcM_Q3dM9U

Anne’s book ‘New York People and Places’ captures her experience of iconic locations and lifestyle in the Big Apple during a recent family trip. The judges commented on the ‘impressive presentation inside and out.’ They noted the ‘excellent selection of photos, excellent design and great choice for cover shot which reflects crazy NY life and makes me smile’ as well as the ‘beautiful presentation of images, design, typography and subject matter’.

   

JUDGING

   

Judging took place on 15 October at Carindale, Brisbane. Libby Jeffery (Marketing Manager at Momento and Momento Pro) travelled from Sydney to join Damian Caniglia (professional photographer and videographer) and Pia Jessen EFIAP/g SAPS APSEM (APS Senior Vice President) in reviewing the books physically on site. The judges separately assessed and rated each book in turn. After the judges’ individual scores were collated, they came together to discuss and agree final rankings.

   
judges    

          


 

If you would like to host a photo book competition at your local camera club, email marketing@momentopro.com.au and if you’re not already a member of the Momento Pro Club Program, sign up at https://www.momentopro.com.au/service/clubs to receive 30% off your first order then $10 off all future orders.

 

MomentoPro Book Comp - Winners 2022

2022 APS Photo Book Awards Winners Announced

MomentoPro Dark 500

PSQ acredited judges Warren Vievers and Sue Gordon judge the 2020 APS photo book comp

Judge Libby Jeffery reviewing the entries in the 2022 APS Photo Book Awards

 

Picture 4   Libby Jeffery examines one of the entries

Now in its seventh year, the Australian Photographic Society’s annual Photo Book Awards 2022 attracted a total of 22 entries. The number of submissions was slightly up on last year and the quality of work presented was once again very high. Congratulations to the three winners in the Individual Open category – Lesley Bretherton, Martin Riley and Anne Pappalardo – and to the Caloundra Camera Group which won the new Camera Club category. Altogether, they shared prizes of $400 cash from the APS Print Group and $1,100 in photo book vouchers from Momento Pro.

 

     
Picture 2

Greg Sullavan records his comments on one of the Individual Open books

 

Judging took place on 16 October at Carindale, Brisbane. Libby Jeffery (Marketing Manager at Momento and Momento Pro, and coordinator of the Australia and New Zealand Photobook Awards) travelled from Sydney to join Greg Sullavan (professional photographer and videographer) and Lisa Kurtz (award-winning photographer and co-founder of the VERGE Collective) in reviewing the books physically on site. The judges separately assessed and rated each book in turn. After the judges’ individual scores were collated, they came together to discuss and agree final rankings.

The Awards attracted entries from APS and camera club members across Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia. A wide variety of photographic genres and subjects were represented including creative floral art, aerial landscapes, rockscapes, wildlife and endangered species, intentional camera movement, urban architecture, rural lifestyle, photo-travel and food photography.

     
Picture 3

Lisa Kurtz at the judging table

 

The judges awarded the prize-winning books for their excellence and fitness for purpose in photography, sequencing of images, design, layout and typography, originality in concept and design, and visual narrative.

All contestants were provided with written feedback on their entries, the judges providing positive comments highlighting the strengths of each submission as well as offering constructive suggestions where appropriate.

     
 

INDIVIDUAL WINNERS

   

Lesley Bretherton with ‘A Florilegium’

 

‘A Florilegium’ by Lesley Bretherton

APS Member

Melbourne Camera Club

Prizes: $150 cash and $350 Momento Pro voucher

Take a look inside the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJQFERcRiOw

The judges noted ‘A beautiful, timeless book. Creativity PLUS … concept, words, composition and beautifully designed. Consistent, clean, spacious, well balanced, well researched.

Photos almost look like illustrations which beautifully reflect 'purpose'. Lovely cover with the delicate and subtle, painterly images. Beautiful fine art photography. Great exposure and file handling. Colourful and filled with joy for the viewer.’

     

Martin Riley with ‘Textures from Above; The Kimberley’

 

‘Textures from Above; The Kimberley’’ by Martin Riley AAPS

APS Member

Queensland Camera Group

Prizes: $75 cash and $250 Momento Pro voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF8218gfyIQ

 ‘Textures from Above: The Kimberley’ was awarded for its ‘stunning photos and consistent design … visually superior’. The judges noted the excellent quality of photography and commented on the beautiful fine art paper stock. One judge summed up the overall visual impact of the book by saying ‘this is like an exhibition in a book.’

     

Portfolio Anne Pappalardo

Anne Pappalardo with ‘King of Kings Beach’

 

‘King of Kings Beach’ by Anne Pappalardo AAPS

APS Member

Queensland Camera Group

Prizes: $25 cash and $150 Momento Pro voucher

Watch a video of the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HWiEkqB6rs

Anne’s book ‘King of Kings Beach’ is a distillation of four years spent photographing her favourite local bird – the Eastern Osprey – around the headland at Kings Beach on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The judges commented that this is a beautifully resolved photo book, with excellent choice of cover photo and a striking, high-impact design. They noted the ‘majestic photo composition and double page spreads and the use of complementary, classical font with excellent layout of text for easy reading and visual pleasure.’

     

CAMERA CLUB WINNER

 
 
     

COASTAL EXPOSURE

Members of the Caloundra Camera Group team with their winning entry ‘Coastal Exposure’

 

‘Coastal Exposure’ by Caloundra Camera Group

Prizes: $150 cash and $350 Momento Pro voucher

Take a look inside the book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veyWBwCAYjw

In creating ‘Coastal Exposure’ the members of Caloundra Camera Group took the opportunity to celebrate the club’s 25th Anniversary with a compilation showcasing the work of their current active members and life members. The planning and preparation of the book was a truly collaborative effort. A team of seven club members, with varying levels of experience in photography and book making, worked together to complete the design, preparation and production processes. The judges commented on the ‘clear intention, consistent design style, complementary text, and balanced representation of club members.’ Overall, they considered the winning entry to be ‘a very worthy project with some exceptional photography.’

          


 

If you would like to host a photo book competition at your local camera club, and receive a $150 Momento Pro voucher prize, email marketing@momentopro.com.au and if you’re not already a member of the Momento Pro Club Program, sign up at https://www.momentopro.com.au/service/clubs to receive 30% off your first order then $10 off all future orders.

 

MomentoPro Book Comp - Winners 2021

Six winning entries from the 2021 APS Photobook Competition

MomentoPro Dark 500

 


Judges (from L to R) Damian Caniglia, Anne Russell and David Symons reviewing the entries in the Portfolio category.

Now in its sixth year, the Australian Photographic Society’s annual Photo Book Awards 2021 attracted a total of 20 entries. While the number of submissions was down on last year (impacted by the extended lockdowns in Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) the quality of entries was once again very high. Congratulations to the six winners across the Storytelling and Portfolio categories – Judy Parker, Ingrid Hendriksen, Hemant Kogelar, Amanda Luker, Deborah Forbes and Ian Skinner – who share prizes of $500 cash from the APS Print Group and $1500 in photo book vouchers from Momento Pro.


The Awards attracted entries from APS and camera club members across Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia. A wide variety of photographic genres and subjects were represented including aerial, creative and littoral landscapes, wildlife and environmental impacts, photojournalism and reportage, human interest, still life graphic, contemporary street photography and photo-travel.

 

 
   

Judging took place on 17 October at the ‘Art at Heart’ studio in Bellbowrie. Anne Russell (Photographic Society of Queensland accredited judge and photography educator), Damian Caniglia (professional photographer and videographer) and David Symons (award-winning photographer, photo book creator and collector) reviewed the books physically on site. The judges separately assessed and rated each book in turn. After the judges’ individual scores were collated they came together to discuss and agree final rankings in both categories.

The judges awarded the prize-winning books for their excellence and fitness for purpose in photography, sequencing of images, design, layout and typography. The Storytelling category winners also showed an originality in concept and design, and an engaging visual narrative. The judges’ rationale for selecting each of the prize-winning entries is outlined below.

All contestants were provided with written feedback on their entries, the judges providing positive comments highlighting the strengths of each submission as well as constructive suggestions where appropriate.

 

PORTFOLIO WINNERS

 

‘Afterthoughts’ by Judy Parker

APS Member
Canberra Photographic Society
Canberra Photoconnect

Prizes: $150 cash and $350 Momento Pro voucher

View book: https://youtu.be/dMJk-0L4A4Y


This book was the unanimous winner of the Portfolio section. The judges noted ‘a stunning body of work with consistent post-production.’ They also commented on the book’s ‘excellent design, layout and use of text to support images which form a beautifully presented, cohesive package. A great concept complemented by well thought out design, paper stock, font and format.’

   

‘Aerial Art’ by Ingrid Hendriksen

APS Member

Prizes: $75 cash and $250 Momento Pro voucher

View book: https://youtu.be/iLZEgwnjJY8

The judges awarded ‘Aerial Art’ for its wonderful natural landscapes, presented as cohesive abstracts. They commented on the beautiful images and good choice of paper stock. Overall, it was seen to be ‘a fantastic body of work’.

   

‘Imagined Places’ by Hemant Kogekar

Northside Creative Camera Club

Prizes: $25 cash, $100 Momento Pro voucher

View book: https://youtu.be/XNqhBEBY0gA

Hemant created ‘Imagined Places’ as a lockdown project using parts of images from earlier travel, together with everyday objects from suburban life. The judges commented that each of the images in the photobook would be ‘amazing as a piece of art presented in a gallery’. They commented on the strong creative idea and good continuity of themes throughout.

   

STORYTELLING WINNERS


 
   

‘Wings on Water’ by Amanda Luker

APS Member
Edwardstown Photography Club

Prize: $150 cash and $350 Momento Pro voucher

View book: https://youtu.be/EprL7T0CRIg

In ‘Wings on Water’ Amanda uses free verse to tell the story of grey-headed flying foxes displaced by climate change and now roosting in Adelaide parklands. The judges commented on the excellent photography throughout, with beautiful images of the flying foxes and effective use of poetry and images to tell the story of their plight.

   

‘Moments on the Waters Edge’ by Deborah Forbes

APS Member
Fine Art Photography Association

Prize: $75 cash and $250 Momento Pro voucher

View book: https://youtu.be/6hp3t0uESXg

In this book, Deborah reflects on happy times spent by the beach with her ageing mother. The judges commented that this was ‘a great idea well executed. Production and placement of images on pages is excellent. Images and story are well connected. A very personal work that succeeds well with its aims. The style of photos fits the subject matter very well’.

   

‘Aftermath: Cadgee 2020’ by Ian Skinner

APS Member

Prize: $25 cash and $100 Momento Pro voucher

View book: https://youtu.be/CUZ0UwO0gBc

‘Aftermath: Cadgee 2020’ is a story of heartbreak and loss in the devastating bushfires which swept through the NSW South Coast hinterland in the summer of 2019–2020. The judges praised the ‘excellent choice in book size, paper stock, design and layout, text/font. Great presentation of story and images.’

     

If you would like to host a photo book competition at your local camera club, and receive a $150 Momento Pro voucher prize, email marketing@momentopro.com.au and if you’re not already a member of the Momento Pro Club Program, sign up at www.momentopro.com.au/service/clubs to receive 30% off your first order then $10 off all future orders.