Images of school boys in an emotional embrace, commuters on Sydney’s new metro and a child’s colourful pet, have taken top honours in two of the country’s most respected photography competitions.

The winners of the 2019 Australian Life and Little Sydney Lives photography prizes were announced at the launch of the exhibitions in Hyde Park.

Dominic Lorrimer from Darlington won the $10,000 Australian Life photography prize for his work Haka. Captured at Lakemba mosque following the Christchurch massacre, the image shows students from Punchbowl High School embracing in a moment of reflection before performing the Haka outside the mosque.

Competition judges, Sydney Morning Herald managing photo editor Mags King; artist Dennis Golding; and artist, academic and Director of Photography at University of Technology Sydney, Cherine Fahd, selected Mr Lorrimer’s image as the winner from 28 finalists from 1400 entrants.

The judges described Mr Lorrimer’s image as a surprising and powerful moment that has been beautifully captured.

Nathan Lo from Toongabbie was the winner in the three–seven years age category of Little Sydney Lives for his shot Zoom, of his pet betta fish.

Jaime Clarke from Kellyville was the winner in the eight–11 years age category for her shot Sydney’s Shiny Metro Northwest of commuters on the new Metro Northwest.

Nathan and Jaime’s images were selected as winners from 20 finalists from a record 356 submissions.  Each winner picked up a new digital camera and photography accessories worth $500.

All 28 Australian Life finalist images are on exhibition along the St James walkway of Hyde Park. The 20 Little Sydney Lives finalist images are on exhibition in Sandringham Gardens, Hyde Park North – both exhibitions run until 13 October.

“The Australian Life and Little Sydney Lives competitions and exhibitions remain among our most popular events in our year-long celebration of Art & About,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“It shows us that everyone has a story to tell, everyone has their unique perspective on our country and our city, and everyone has a creative spark that should be cherished.

“Art is for everyone, and art can be made by anyone. The more voices we hear, the more eyes and photographers looking at our world, the richer it becomes.

“Each year these exhibitions attract thousands of visitors who come to celebrate the creative spirits of some of our established, emerging and youngest photographers.” 

What do you think of the winning image?