Posted on
3 August 2026
The Ilford Orloff Awards recognise and highlight the contributions of professional photographers and videographers from Western Australia. There are three sections: photographic stills, video and media and the State Library of Western Australia Narrative Award.
The State Library of Western Australia Narrative Award celebrates imagery that is dynamic and storytelling in nature, evoking the culture and history of Western Australia. The emphasis is not solely on professional quality but on an image’s ability to evoke a distinctly Western Australian story.
The awards are named after Abraham "Izzy" Orloff (1891–1983), one of Western Australia's most prolific and avant-garde professional photographers. Based in Fremantle, Izzy was renowned for his street photography, portraiture and ability to capture everyday moments. His archive remains one of the treasures of the State Library's heritage collection.
The awards are run by Pro Photography WA, the Western Australian industry association for professional photographers.
Entries for the 2026 Ilford Orloff Awards close at 5 pm on 13 September 2026.
To enter and find out more information, head to the Pro Photography WA website.
The 2026 nominees will be displayed at the State Library later in the year.
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An in-depth look at his photography
Photographs and films
WA history
Izzy was one of WA’s most significant photographers, an Avant-Garde innovator in photographic style who captured moments of urban life. Born in Ukraine in 1891, he migrated to Fremantle in 1910.
Around one million images make up the Pictorial Collection including photographs, postcards, slides, albums, glass negatives, illustrations and art works.
The State Library collects documentary images and film depicting the social, political, economic and cultural history of Western Australia.
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