FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition (2025)

HomeFOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition (2025)

The FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition, sponsored by Tassal, is our annual community photographic exhibition. Open to photographers of all ages and skill levels, this exhibition showcases an array of diverse images from amongst a number of different categories.

A staple on our exhibition calendar since 2011, the FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition is well received by area photographers and attracts entrants from Cairns to Townsville including the Tablelands and surrounds.

This year, photographers will compete for prizes totalling $1800 across 12 categories, with entrants also eligible for the Display Team Prize, People's Choice Award and Judges' Choice Award. All award prizes are generously sponsored by area individuals and businesses. We are incredibly grateful for their support.

Our major event sponsor, Tassal, will officially open the FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition on Friday, 14 March at 6pm. Opening Night is a ticketed event and advance bookings are required. A booking link will be provided on this page closer to the date.

The FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition will be on display from 14 March – 22 April at Mission Arts and can be viewed daily during Gallery Open Hours (10am-2pm).

Following the Awards Presentation on Opening Night (14 March), images can also be viewed and purchased online via our Online Exhibition Catalogue.

The FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition will conclude with the announcement of the People’s Choice Award on 23 April.

award categories

Abstract and Still Life
Sponsored by Beachside Nail Art & Beauty by Alina
Artistic captures of inanimate objects or scenes.

Macro
Sponsored by Beachside Nail Art & Beauty by Alina
Images that showcase the subject larger than life size.

People (Portraits/Groups/Crowds)
Sponsored by Agape Family Dental
Images must depict people as the primary subject and may include street photography and portraits.

Pets
Sponsored by Tropical Vets
Images must depict pets as the primary subject.

Sports/Action
Sponsored by Leny's Fruit & Veg
Images may depict individual or team sports or sporting events as the primary subject.

The Michael Johnson Landscape Award
Sponsored by Sarah Johnson
Images must depict the natural environment. [*]

The Michael Johnson Seascape Award
Sponsored by Sarah Johnson
Images must depict the natural environment. [*]

Townscapes of the Cassowary Coast
Sponsored by Laundro Lounge
Images including subjects that are part of a place/town.
(e.g signage, cultural/historic landmarks, shopfronts or markets, unique or quirky points of interest) [*]

Travel
Sponsored by Hop on Tours
Images may depict subjects or scenes taken on your travels outside the Cassowary Coast Region.

Underwater Photography
Sponsored by Great Barrier Reef Safaris
Images must depict the underwater environment.

Wet Tropics Flora and Fauna
Sponsored by the Community for Coastal & Cassowary Conservation (C4)
Images must depict animals or plants from Far North Queensland as the primary subject.

Youth (18 & Under)
Sponsored by Art Print Frame
Images may depict any subject.

in addition to the above category-specific awards,
all entrants will be eligible for the following awards:

Display Team Prize
Sponsored by Mission Arts

Judges' Choice
Sponsored by Shane Knuth, MP for Hill

People's Choice
Sponsored by Tassal

[*] In these categories, entries may include humans or animals as a minor element of the composition

key dates

Entries Close
Friday, 28 February (2pm)

Electronic Image Delivery to Mission Arts
Friday, 28 February (2pm)

Printed Image Delivery to Mission Arts
Saturday, 8 March (10am-2pm) OR
Wednesday 12 March (10am-2pm)

Exhibition Opening Night & Awards Presentation
Friday, 14 March (6pm)

Judges' Commentary & Feedback Session
Saturday, 15 March (10am)

Announcement of People's Choice Award Winner
Wednesday, 23 April

Artwork Collection
Wednesday, 23 April - Friday, 25 April (10am-2pm)

exhibition sponsor

award sponsors

Mission Arts extends sincere thanks to the above individuals and businesses whose generous support and sponsorship makes this exhibition possible.