Acclaimed Sydney portrait photographer Gary Grealy has been named as the winner of the 2017 National Photographic Portrait Prize. He has been a finalist seven times previously in the eight-year history of the Prize.

George Fetting, guest judge for the 2017 prize, was captivated by Grealy’s winning portrait, titled Richard Morecroft and Alison Mackay. “Gary Grealy’s portrait is a wonderful collaboration with the sitters, Richard and Alison. He has beautifully conveyed a mixture of subdued emotions in a simple, direct but captivating image”, said Fetting.

“For me, the contrasting facial expressions, body language and soft side lighting combine to produce a painterly quality of a time gone by. It’s a meticulous work cloaked in curiosity and intrigue, with the furtive smile to seduce the viewer”.

Grealy believes his artwork reflects his inspiration to take up portrait photography: “When I began making portraits of artists in the 90s, the thrill of entering the domain of creativity filled me with excitement, and I must admit a little envy at the talent I saw. I began making portraits of artists for no other reason than the love of art. The National Photographic Portrait Prize gave me a purpose to continue to make portraits of artists,...