Judges
Steve Parish
Steve is a passionate and highly motivational speaker, writer, teacher and digital artist, and one of few Australian photographers who can look back over five-plus decades of photography across a range of Australian social and natural history subjects.
Steve pioneered underwater nature photography in association with the Australian Museum which led to his first publishing ventures in the late ’60s and now manages the largest and most comprehensive privately owned photographic library in the nation; it is from this vast resource that he has created all his projects. While many of his featured images are now iconic, others are being seen here in this website and associated Fine Art Gallery and Stock Libraries for the first time.
Kris Anderson
Kris Anderson is a commercial and fine art photographer, educator and photographic judge, based in Brisbane Australia.
Kris’ commercial work is focused on the performing arts: branding for performing arts companies, actor and performer headshots, dance photography, and live theatre production photography. For his personal illustrative photographic work, Kris often explores themes concerned with modern life, mental health, and the impact of technology on people and relationships.
Kris’ judging has taken him to state and national print awards for the AIPP in Australia, NZIPP Iris Awards in New Zealand, SWPP 20×16 in London, and WPPI awards in Las Vegas. Kris is the current Director of Judging for the Australian Photographic Prize.
A Master of Photography with the NZIPP and Icon, and a Fellow of the SWPP, Kris was named the Overall Grand Champion at the 2025 and 2026 Asia-Pacific Photography Awards. In 2024 he was awarded the Icon Grand Award for In-Camera Artistry, as well as the NZIPP Australian Professional Creative Photographer of the Year. Kris is also a proud EIZO Ambassador.
Steve Wise
Steve Wise is a portrait photographer known for capturing more than just an image — his work reveals the story, character, and depth behind each person.
With over 20 years’ experience across photography and graphic design, Steve combines a relaxed approach with a strong attention to detail, earning him a reputation as a highly sought-after photographer across Australia.
His distinctive style has been recognised with multiple State, National, and International awards, including Australian Portrait Photographer of the Year and international honours in portraiture.
Alongside his creative work, Steve holds Registered Biomedical Illustrator (R.B.I.) accreditation and works as a medical photographer at Royal Perth Hospital.
Harriet Tarbuck
Harriet Tarbuck is a photographic artist, educator, curator, commercial photographer and business owner. Harriet creates inclusive and diverse community engagement projects through Photo Collective and When Harri met Sally – A Photography Podcast.
Both projects celebrate the diversity of what it is to be an image-maker in Australia today. Through her personal practice, Harriet specialises in the areas of portraiture and documentary. Since completing her studies in the UK, Harriet has lived and worked across Australia, the UK and Asia. Across all aspects of her work, Harriet aims to show the genuine threads that connect us all.
Harriet has judged awards including the Walkley Awards and the Australian and New Zealand Photobook Awards, and has been a finalist in the Perth Centre for Photography’s Iris Award. She also contributes to major initiatives like the Australian Photography Awards.
Laura Waters
Laura Waters is the founder of Princess Pictures, the genre-defying production company she launched in 2003 to champion distinctive creative voices and stories that shift cultural perspectives.
Originally from the U.S. and a graduate of Boston University, Laura began her career producing current affairs and documentary television in London and Los Angeles before moving into scripted content. She is best known for producing all five of Chris Lilley’s internationally acclaimed comedy series — We Can Be Heroes, Summer Heights High, Angry Boys, Ja’mie: Private School Girl, and Jonah From Tonga — for ABC/HBO/BBC, as well as his Netflix series Lunatics.
In addition to comedy, Waters has produced a wide range of content, including documentaries, scripted series and animation, reflecting her commitment to storytelling in all its forms. Most recently, Laura’s company produced Last Days of the Space Age for Disney+ and the breakout Sundance hit Together starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie. Directed by first-time filmmaker Michael Shanks, the film ignited a bidding war at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and ultimately sold to Neon in one of the biggest deals in the festival’s history.
Socratis Otto
Socratis is an Australian actor, writer, and director whose career across film, television, and theatre spans more than two decades. Known for his versatility and emotionally nuanced performances, Socratis has become a recognised presence within the Australian screen industry, working across both mainstream productions and independent creative projects.
He is best known for his roles in acclaimed television series including Wentworth, Home and Away, Young Lions, and The Secret Daughter. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside some of Australia’s leading creatives, building a diverse body of work that reflects a strong commitment to complex, character-driven storytelling.
Alongside acting, Socratis has developed work as a writer and director, expanding his creative practice across multiple areas of storytelling. His work is often grounded in human experience, emotional honesty, and narratives that explore identity, connection, and transformation.
Nadeah
Renowned for her genre-hopping irreverence and mesmerising stage presence, the Melbourne born, Paris bred songstress, Nadéah Miranda, has supported artists as diverse as Tame Impala, Nick Cave, Mick Jones (The Clash), Fun Lovin’ Criminals, James, The Do, Damian Rice, Yodelice and Charlie Winston and shared the bill with artists such as Franz Ferdinand, Keane, Kelis, Funkadelic, Snow Patrol and Lily Allen.
She’s played the Royal Albert Hall (twice), Henry Fonda Theatre (LA) (twice) Glastonbury (three times) and fronted bands such as Nouvelle Vague, the loveGods and B for Bang. Working with various acclaimed producers including Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey, Bat for Lashes), Marc Collin (Nouvelle Vague), Tommy D (Catatonia, Right Said Fred) and Grammy nominated classical composer, Nicola Tescari, she’s written and released five albums, featured on countless others and is set to release a self penned duets album in 2023
Annie Peterson
Annie Peterson is a music creator, producer, and programmer who has helped shape Queensland’s live music scene for over 30 years. As the creator and producer of Women in Voice, she has built a celebrated platform for powerful female and gender-diverse voices, known for its depth, collaboration, and musical excellence.
She also spent a decade as Programme Director of the Woodford Folk Festival, playing a key role in shaping one of Australia’s most iconic music and cultural events. Annie continues to support emerging artists as a judge for the Carol Lloyd Award, championing the next generation of singer-songwriters.
As a music judge, Annie brings a wealth of industry experience and a finely tuned ear for music that resonates — work that is honest, distinctive, and emotionally powerful.
Brisa Roché
American artist Brisa Roché signed to Blue Note in 2005. Her inimitable voice and rich production angles have given each of her 10 personal albums cult status.
In 2017 she founded independent label Black Ash and in 2019 she produced the soundtrack for ceremonies at the American Film Festival in Deauville. Writer, composer and producer, her catalogue of records and collaborations continues to grow.
In May 2024, Platinum Books will release her novel “PARIS, MOON”. She is currently busy with RAD, an experimental duo with Nicolas Laureau from Prohibition.