Winning images from the 33rd Heritage Bank photo competition

HANDY SNAP: Cairns photographer Peter Rossi was runner-up in the themed category 'Helping Hands' with this photo, Farm Hands.

The 2021 Heritage Bank Photographic Awards winners have been revealed, with photographers from Queensland scoring some of the top spots.

Taking out the title for the open category was Brisbane photographer Netal Lucas, who won the $15,000 prize for Afternoon tea in lockdown, a sentimental snapshot of kids covered in mud sitting on the front step, enjoying a snack during lockdown.

South Australia's Lucia Staykov took home $15,000 for the other major prize in the 'Helping Hands' themed category for her image, Family Hands, a black and white portrait taken during a newborn photography session.

With the rising popularity of digital manipulation, Heritage this year introduced a new illustrative category that has no limits to post-production. NSW photographer Colleen Price was awarded $5000 as the inaugural winner for her Australiana-inspired image, Bush Clothes Drying.

Heritage Bank CEO Peter Lock said they had another "amazing" response this year, receiving over 2300 entries from across Australia.

"It really goes to show the depth of talent and creativity in our wonderful country," Mr Lock said.

"The awards are all about fostering the art of photography and encouraging people to get creative."

He said this year's themed category 'Helping Hands' offered the perfect opportunity for people to unleash their creative talents and reflect on the events of the past 18 months, particularly in light of the pandemic.

"Through this year's themed category, we asked people to share moments that inspire hope through their interpretations on what helping hands means to them. And that's exactly what we got."

The Awards exhibition is on display at USQ Arts Gallery Toowoomba until September 22.