Simon Devitt Prize for Photography

Established in 2008, this annual photography competition is open to students studying Architecture, Fine Arts, Urban Design or Urban Planning at the Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries.

Elderly person's face in front of curtain, in black and white.
Anna Finch, Portrait of Phyril, detail view, Simon Devitt Prize for Photography winner, 2023

Curiosity is the engine behind any good photographer. Be brave and take risks.

Simon Devitt, photographer

Simon Devitt is an Auckland-based photographer specialising in architectural images. He established the Simon Devitt Prize for Photography award in 2008, initially for students from the School of Architecture and Planning, where he teaches architecture photography.

About the 2024 competition

Students studying Architecture, Fine Arts, Urban Design or Urban Planning are encouraged to enter this popular competition whereby the winner is chosen for the most original and thought-provoking image which effectively captures the year's chosen theme 'Borders and Margins'. The winning entrant receives a trophy and $1,000.

Finalists will be invited to exhibit their work at the Simon Devitt Prize for Photography exhibition, Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 October, Elam ProjectSpace Gallery.

Entries for the 2024 competition are closed.

Judging:

  • Thematic relevance will be given primary consideration.
  • The level of creativity used to illustrate the theme of the competition, including technique and aesthetic quality, will also be taken into consideration.
  • A copy of each entry will be reviewed by a judging panel. Winning entries will be selected by Simon Devitt, Photographer.