Each year, visitors are invited to capture images of Brisbane’s unique architectural places and spaces and enter them into the BOH Photography Competition. With prizes across five categories – Overall, People, Exterior, Interior and Detail – visitors are encouraged to capture the packed Brisbane Open House program, with its diverse range of buildings, spaces, walks, talks, workshops, and activities.
Brisbane Open House saw a huge jump in entries to the competition this year with 250 submissions made across the four categories and our judging panel are pleased to announce the 2024 winners!
Overall Winner
Nicole Groom – St John’s Cathedral
“Standing high above the city, surrounded by the intricate mechanics of the bells, I was captivated by the blend of history and craftsmanship, aiming to capture that unique perspective.
Brisbane Open House offers a rare opportunity to explore hidden corners of our city. The bell tower tour at St John’s Cathedral was a highlight, providing both a bit of exercise and a rewarding experience.”
Winner – Exterior
Thom Ryan – Thomas Dixon Centre
“Standing high above the city, surrounded by the intricate mechanics of the bells, I was captivated by the blend of history and craftsmanship, aiming to capture that unique perspective.
In the morning on Saturday I had attended the Kurilpa Futures Historic Walk, led by former local councillor Helen Abrahams and other Kurilpa Futures members. This was one of the best Open House experiences I’ve had – it reflected a deep engagement with local urban fabric by the facilitators.
We finished at the Thomas Dixon Centre where the rooftop bar was open. Looking down towards the street I saw the brickwork of the old building bathed in sunlight and this is the image I captured. I’m impressed by the redevelopment of the Thomas Dixon Centre – it’s a successful harmony of the new and the old. I took the image on medium format colour film, with a Bronica S2A (a beautiful 6×6 SLR introduced in 1969).”
Said Kaela Turgeon, Photography Competition Judge:”For this photo I love the juxtaposition position between the industrial aesthetics of the Thomas Dixon building and soft colour tones. The photo is able to capture the stillness of the space and you find yourself drawn to the bold colours of the architecture. Overall I felt it captured the beauty of the Thomas Dixon Centre perfectly.”
Winner – Interior
Donagh Keppel – Spring Hill Windmill and Service Reservoirs
“I was born and raised in Brisbane and I have never really taken the time to thoroughly explore my own backyard. So when my friend asked me if I would be interested in the Brisbane Open House event I jumped at the opportunity to check out some of Brisbane’s hidden gems and we were not disappointed .
The Spring Hill Windmill was one such landmark that has always piqued my interest even as a child but what actually captivated my heart was the amazing space which was the former Service Reservoirs. Being tucked away in the background of the Mill, they can be so easily overlooked but what a shame. Exploring this space and learning its history was truely a highlight for us.
I wasn’t sure if I would be able to capture the essence of this space but it was so skillfully presented and beautifully lit, I was able to capture some truely beautiful shots on my iPhone13 – no fancy camera, just my phone!”
Winner – Detail
Rose Parr – Roma St Fire Station
“As a regular Brisbane Open House visitor, this year I joined a tour of the Roma Street Fire Station. A firefighter led the tour, and imparted information regarding the routines of the firefighters, the organisation of the station, and the operational equipment carried on the fire engines. This was of great interest, making the tour thoroughly enjoyable.
I’m an amateur photographer, and in retirement joined a camera club. Anticipating taking interior shots amidst a group of people, I’d brought my lightest, largest aperture, and most unobtrusive camera lens for these circumstances. I photographed this image of coiled fire hoses in their compartment on a fire engine, and later converted it to black and white. My photographic equipment was a Sony a7riii camera with a Sony 20mm lens.”
Winner – People
Rianna Teale – Brisbane Powerhouse
“My inspiration for the piece was the space and the people within it. The Powerhouse has some amazing artwork on the walls, which is the heart and soul of the space, much like the people of Brisbane.
I actually captured the shot by accident testing out my camera and didn’t realise until I was looking back through the next day! Sometimes the most beautiful things come from mistakes or something you weren’t looking for.
I’ve been to a number of buildings during Brisbane Open House over the years and continue to be amazed about these beautiful spots, often hidden in plain sight. I just wish these spaces could be highlighted more often than once a year for people to experience and take in.”
Judges Feedback
Brisbane Open House Board Chair Malcolm Middleton: “Over the 15 years I have been reviewing these photos, I still get a real kick out of seeing how our city interacts with our Open House supporters and the delight you see in people’s faces.”
Melissa Hoedel, Executive Director, Brisbane Open House: “Not only were there substantially more entrants in this year’s competition, the standard was exceptional. It was tough for the judging panel to pick the winners.”
With thanks to our 2024 Competition Judges:
- Christopher Frederick Jones, Architectural Photographer
- Malcolm Middleton, Architect & Former Qld Government Architect, Board Chair, Brisbane Open House
- Kaela Turgeon, Design & Colour Consultant at BlueScope
- Melissa Hoedel, Executive Director, Brisbane Open House