Picture of farmer’s agony wins National Photographic Portrait Prize

A dust storm near Forbes, NSW gave Joel B. Pratley’s winning photograph an ominous tone.

Farmer David Kalisch, by Joel B. Pratley. Picture: John Feder

A dust storm that whipped the parched landscape around Forbes in central NSW gave photographer Joel B. Pratley the moment he needed to capture the state’s devastating drought in a single image.

His photograph, Drought Story, showing farmer David Kalisch on his desperately dry property, has won the National Photographic Portrait Prize, announced on Friday at the National Portrait Gallery.

“It was already a desolate backdrop,” Pratley said. “But this dust storm just kicked up out of nowhere – it was quite ferocious. We stayed out in it for a little bit and then had to seek cover. Then as quickly as it came, it was gone.”

Winner of the National Photographic Portrait Prize Joel B Pratley. Picture: John Feder

Pratley, 32, said the ominous setting for the picture added to the idea that he wanted to express in the photograph of mankind and the elements.

He took the picture as part of a campaign for Rural Aid, raising donations to assist drought-hit farmers in need. The photographer said he was drawn to making portraits of people who had endured hardship or adversity.

Mark Rushton swims with his husky, by Jessica Hromas. Picture: John Feder

Unusually for a portrait, Pratley’s photograph does not show the subject’s face. Mr Kalisch is shown walking away from the camera, into the red dusty haze that looks like a Martian landscape.

“It felt like he was walking off into the unknown,” he said. “I found it a lot more striking. It didn’t need to show his face to show what people are up against sometimes in life.”

Pratley has won $50,000 in prizes, including cash and camera equipment.

A woman immerses herself in a lake, by R J Poole

On the judging panel were renowned photographer Bill Henson, the director of the National Gallery of Australia Nick Mitzevich, and gallery director Karen Quinlan.

The judges selected 79 portraits from the prize entries which are on show at the NPG in Canberra until November 7.