Take a journey through fire and serenity with this year’s Australian Life photography prize finalists.

From heart-achingly intimate portraits to sharp observations, the 28 finalist images paint a unique picture of our current juncture in time. Quiet beauty, fierce energy, drought, excess, defiance and valour – the documented moments represent a multitude of stories that make up Australian Life.

Australian Life is one of Australia’s biggest – and most democratic – photography prizes. For more than 15 years, amateur and professional photographers have submitted their epic and intimate images of Australia. The finalists, and the $10,000 grand prize winner, were chosen by a panel of professional photographers, artists and curators.

Australian Life is part of Art & About Sydney, an ongoing program of temporary art projects in unusual spaces.