Astrophotography Competition

Sponsored by Sidereal Trading, awarding with each division winner a William Optics Redcat 51 Telescope, valued at $1500.

The 2023 Australian Photographic & Videography Prize is proud to announce the launch of the new Astrophotography Competition. There are two divisions in the competition, Astro Deep Space and Astro Landscape.

Astrophotographers who spend hours at the telescope and behind the computer capturing the beauty and wonder of the night sky, can now showcase their talent, skill, and scientific and artistic flare at the Australian Photographic Prize.

For the first time, a panel of experienced scrutineers and judges, collectively proficient in and familiar with the specialised techniques and science of astrophotography, will critique and assess the entries, with the top 25 judged live and broadcast on Youtube.

Astrophotography competition Rho Ophiucus © Mike Sidonio
Rho Ophiucus © Mike Sidonio

Open to professional, amateur, and student photographers, the astrophotography competition also has written feedback available. The prize is not just about winning, it’s about learning how you can take your photography to the next level. Challenge yourself!

Uniquely, the top 25 entries for each category will be judged live at Photography Studies College in Melbourne from July 21 to July 23, 2023 between 2:30-5:30 PM. After the judging, there will be a presentation by ‘Strongman’ Mike Sidonio.

This specialist judging panel includes Senior Curator of Astronomy at Museums Victoria, Dr Tanya Hill, and award-winning astrophotographers, Mike Sidonio, Diego Collonnello, Andy Campbell, Paul Hoelen and Ari Rex.

The Australian Photographic & Videography Prize is a must-attend event for photographers and videographers alike. Everyone is welcome to attend the live judging, meet fellow photographers, and be part of the Australian photographic community.

Astrophotography competition Astro Landscape ©Ari Rex
Astro Landscape ©Ari Rex

Astrophotography Competition Rules Overview:

Astro Landscape

Astro Landscape – Sponsored by Sidereal Trading and William Optics

Astrophotography images taken back on earth that depict a feature or element of astronomical interest in which the night or twilight sky is a prominent feature with a landscape element. Any image containing terrestrial foregrounds will be considered an Astro Landscape image. Star trails and images of noctilucent and nacreous clouds, halos, meteors etc., may also be entered into this category.

  • The integrity of the subjects must be maintained, and the making of physical changes to the landscape is not permitted, i.e. removal or addition of fences or trees etc.
  • Composite images are eligible for entry, provided that all elements of the photograph i.e. sky and foreground, were shot in the same location.

To avoid misuse of Ai processing, the scrutineers may ask about your processing method and request the original Raw or Fits image files. Entries are submitted as digital entries.

Images created after June 2018 are eligible.

Astro Deep Space

Astro Deep Space – Sponsored by Sidereal Trading and William Optics

Astrophotography images that are out of this world can include star clusters, supernova remnants, nebulae, galaxies, galaxy clusters, the Sun, planets, comets or the Moon. Images may be taken with telescopes or camera lenses, using mono or colour cameras, with or without filters. Entries into this category must be taken with your own equipment using your own data.

  • Data from professional observatories eg: ESO/NASA and paid subscription services eg: iTelescope, Chilescope etc. is ineligible.
  • Images must be taken and processed by the entrant.

To avoid misuse of Ai processing, the scrutineers may ask about your processing method and request the original Raw or Fits image files. Entries are submitted as digital entries.

Images created after June 2018 are eligible.

Astrophotography competition entries open on 1st June 2023 and close on 4 July 2023 (EXTENDED DEADLINE).

Tickets for the judging and presentation are now available.

Meet The Judges

With over 100 years of combined experience in the professional photography industry, the Australian Photographic & Videography Prize has a powerhouse team of experienced and highly awarded Astrophotographers. 

Dr. Tanya Hill

Judge - Senior Curator, Astronomy at Museum Victoria

"Strongman" Mike Sidonio

Judge - Award Winning Astrophotographer

Marcel Drechsler

Online Judge - Team Strottner-Drechsler

Ari Rex

Judge - Award Winning Astrophotographer

Diego Colonnello

Judge - Award Winning Astrophotographer & Telescope Manufacturer

Andy Campbell

Astro Panel Chair - Grand Master Photographer

Paul Hoelen

Judge - Grand Master Photographer NZIPP

Tim Moon

JUDGE - Award Winning Photographer
""Are you an astrophotographer, one of the dedicated night owls of the photographic World, who spends hours of your time, both at the telescope and behind the computer, often in trying conditions and then dedicates more hours processing all your carefully accumulated exposure data? Is your aim to capture the beauty and wonder of the night sky, by using your hard earned data to produce aesthetic works of cosmic photography, that are skillfully processed and maintain associated scientific relevance?
Well, in 2023 and for the very first time, the Australian Photographic Prize wants to give all of you that do this, the opportunity to have your dedication, skill, scientific and artistic flare, assessed and critiqued, by a panel of experienced scrutineers and judges and one that is collectively proficient in and familiar with, the specialised techniques and science, that underpins this special genre of photography. Be sure to get your best and favourite entries in and along with the recognition and kudos on offer, you also have the chance to win a fabulous William Optics Redcat 51 Telescope, a superb addition to any astrophotographers equipment arsenal and valued at $1500.""

Award-winning astrophotographers and AusPrize astro judges “Strongman” Mike Sidonio, Ari Rex, Tim Moon, and Andy Campbell, discuss all things Astro and awards, providing valuable insights into entering the highly competitive Australian Photographic & Videography Prize.

We delve deep into the world of astrophotography and explore tips and techniques that have led to award-winning entries. Our experienced judges also highlight the judging criteria and offer practical advice to improve your astrophotography skills.

Proudly Sponsored by William Optics and Sidereal Trading.

Join The Australian Photographic Prize Community.

Astrophotography Competition Entries are now Open!