Through the Lens: Seniors Card photographic competition and exhibition
Through the Lens is part of International Day of Older Persons celebrations. The competition and exhibition promote ageing well by celebrating the skills of older South Australians through the art of photography and demonstrate that people can learn and create at any age.
Seniors Card members love to share their stories, and other members love to hear them. Photos speak a thousand words. Through the Lens is a wonderful opportunity for Seniors Card members to share photos that they have taken, that reflect their lives and interests.
2026 competition
All South Australian Seniors Card members are invited to enter Through the Lens, the Seniors Card photographic competition.
Entries close Friday 14 August 2026.
Competition terms and conditions
Categories
The judges are looking for good photographic technique, creativity and clear photographs.
Not sure which category to enter your photo in? Check out the category descriptions.
Active ageing
Seniors on the go – in the great outdoors or in an indoor setting. Wisdom, experience, sportiness, playfulness – just some of the qualities that can be portrayed in an image. Whether it’s something you’ve snapped on the spur of the moment, or a more strategically composed photo, images should convey a story. What does ‘ageing well’ look like in your world?
Artistic photography
Images may include abstract expressions, unusual close ups, angles, patterns, motion, or perspectives, black and white photography, images created using scientific imaging tools and artistic effects resulting from digital manipulation. Artistic images make good use of graphic elements of design. They highlight line, shape, pattern, form, texture and perspective in their subjects. This category is appropriate for digital art – images created or drastically altered in software like Adobe Photoshop®.
Landscape & nature
We have combined the landscape and natures categories to make entries more flexible for photographers. Landscape photography captures scenes that deeply resonate with us. They may be powerful visages devoid of humans and their habitations or show people or animals interacting with their landscapes. Images showing flora and fauna will also be welcomed. Judges will be looking for timing, use of colour and texture, lighting, detail and composition.
Meaningful connections
Connections that create meaning and purpose in our lives are one of the greatest determinants to living a happy and healthy life. It’s the quality, not quantity, of our connections that really matters. Interacting with family and friends, intergenerational moments… think outside the box and be creative. Judges will be looking for images that capture a moment or tell a story about a person’s life.
Our State
This year a new category will be joining the ranks to promote everything ‘South Australia’! Presented by sponsor the South Australian Photographic Federation, Our State encourages Seniors Card members to enter photographs that tell a story about South Australia. From striking architecture and sweeping seascapes to native flora and fauna, people, and places, this category invites photographers to capture what makes our state unique. Iconic locations may include the Adelaide Oval, Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island, Glenelg Beach, Coorong, and the Adelaide Hills, showcasing South Australia through its landscapes, landmarks, and stories. Make sure to add in the SA location to your photo title.
Portrait
The beauty of a portrait is its ability to tell a story – using the language of the body (not always the face). It can be a well-staged group photo or a more singular study that moves us through its expression and mood. A candid snippet in time that conveys a story and portrays emotions, thoughts and feelings.
Exhibition
Finalists and winners in each of the categories as well as the winner of the Judge's Choice Award, will have their work featured in the Through the Lens exhibition at the State Library of South Australia for public view throughout October 2026.
Prizes
The winner of the Judge’s Choice Award will win a $500 gift card, thanks to sponsor Diamonds Camera, Video and Digital, a large ready-to-hang print of their photo, thanks to sponsor, Atkins Photo Lab, a bottle of premium wine thanks to sponsor, Claymore Wines and the winning photograph will be featured on the Seniors Card website.
Winners in categories Landscape and Nature, Active ageing, Artistic photography, Meaningful connections and Portrait will each receive a $100 gift card, thanks to sponsor Diamonds Camera, Video and Digital, a large ready-to-hang print of their photo thanks to sponsor, Atkins Photo Lab, a bottle of premium wine thanks to sponsor, Claymore Wines and be featured on the Seniors Card website.
Winner of the Our State category will receive a cash prize of $300, and a large ready-to-hang print of their photo, thanks to sponsor, South Australian Photographic Federation, a bottle of premium wine thanks to sponsor, Claymore Wines and be featured on the Seniors Card website.
Finalists in each of the six categories will receive a large ready-to-hang print of their photo, thanks to sponsor, Atkins Photo Lab.
One finalist’s image will also be featured on the front cover of the 2027 Discounts & Deals Directory.
