Gordon Park photographer Tyler Sharman has won the Open Category of the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards with an image capturing people trying to stay dry during a Brisbane downpour.
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His winning photograph, Rush Hour, earned the top prize of $5,000 after being selected from more than 2,200 entries in this year’s competition. Taken on a rainy day at the corner of Edward and Adelaide streets in Brisbane City, the photograph shows a lone pedestrian hurrying through the wet streets to stay dry.
The image reflects this year’s theme, Everyday Brisbane, which focused on genuine moments, people and places across the city.
A Brisbane Downpour Frozen in Time
“I captured this photograph on a very rainy day on the corner of Edward and Adelaide Streets. People were in a rush to stay dry,” Sharman said in his official awards entry.
The photograph went on to win the Open Category, with its subject reflecting the rainy conditions described in Sharman’s entry.
Rather than focusing on a landmark, Rush Hour captures people responding to the rainy conditions on a Brisbane street. The photograph captures a moment from a rainy day in Brisbane City.
2026 Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards
This year’s competition invited people who live, work or study in Brisbane to photograph the people, places and moments that make up everyday life in the city.
More than 2,200 entries were submitted for the 2026 awards, covering scenes ranging from city streets and riverside views to wildlife, family life and cultural experiences.
Sharman’s Rush Hour led the Open Category, with Wynnum photographer Nigel Wesley taking second place for Shooting the Breeze. Wesley’s photograph captured neighbours enjoying an afternoon chat and earned a $2,000 prize.
Bulimba photographer Jonathan Wood placed third with Australia, an image showing a child enjoying a sprinkler and trampoline on a summer day. Other category winners included Maria Pena, who took the Student Category with Quiet Mornings, and Lewis Bin Doraho, who received the Lavonne Bobongie Award for Flying Low, featuring a Super Hornet during a Riverfire practice run.
The Green Heart Category went to Nicolas Willemsen for Council of the “Crest” Fallen Choir, while Alex Harding won the Social Media Category with When the Fountains Sleep. Three photographs were also selected for the new Brisbane Postcards Collection.
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The winning photographs and People’s Choice finalists can also be viewed at free exhibitions across Brisbane. The exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane runs from August 1 to November 1, while Brisbane Square is hosting the display from August 3 to 28 and the Brisbane Airport Domestic Terminal from August 3 to 31.
Published 10-August-2026
