Nathan Beard wins 2026 National Photographic Portrait Prize
Melbourne artist Nathan Beard has won the 2026 National Photographic Portrait Prize. His winning photograph, titled ‘Mae Khong, 2026’, is a portrait of his aunt, Mae Khong, taken in her home in rural Thailand.
The image captures Khong bathing as she recovered from a debilitating fall. Beard, 39, noted the photograph was ‘reactive in the moment’ while he was visiting her in Thailand earlier this year. The subject, Mae Khong, passed away in July at the age of 84.
Judge Isobel Parker Philip described the work as ‘a really, really tender work’ that conveys a profound emotional connection, noting the subject's resilience and fatigue. For the win, Beard received $30,000 from the portrait gallery and $20,000 in photographic equipment from Canon Australia. This marks the final recipient of the award under its current format before a new prize model is introduced in 2027.
Entities
Canon Australia · Isobel Parker Philip · Mae Khong · Nathan Beard · National Photographic Portrait Prize
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The winning photograph depicts Mae Khong in rural Thailand. www.wellingtontimes.com.au · www.thecourier.com.au · www.portnews.com.au · www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- [● 4 SOURCES] The prize includes $30,000 from the portrait gallery and $20,000 in photographic equipment from Canon Australia. www.wellingtontimes.com.au · www.thecourier.com.au · www.portnews.com.au · www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- [● 4 SOURCES] The 2026 prize is the final recipient of the award in its current format. www.wellingtontimes.com.au · www.thecourier.com.au · www.portnews.com.au · www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- [● 4 SOURCES] Nathan Beard won the 2026 National Photographic Portrait Prize. www.wellingtontimes.com.au · www.thecourier.com.au · www.portnews.com.au · www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au