A photography contest by the Alliances Françaises in Australia

Two hundred years ago, someone captured the world and changed it forever. Now, it's your turn!

Say Cheese! is a photography contest open to everyone across Australia, brought to you by the Alliance Française network to mark the Bicentenary of Photography. No theme, no rules of subject — just your eye, your light, and your story.

Whether you shoot on your camera or your phone, this is your moment to be part of a global celebration that started in a small French village two centuries ago — and hasn't stopped since.

Say Cheese! is proud to have Martine Perret, renowned French-Australian photographer, as Ambassador.

“Photography is my language for articulating ideas and creating dialogue. I see the process as relational — built on trust, collaboration, and ensuring the people I work with have agency in how they are represented. I believe photography can be a form of social engagement and meaningful change. The bicentenary represents an opportunity not only to reflect on the past, but to question whose histories have been remembered and whose have been overlooked.

I encourage photographers from across the Alliance Française network in Australia to take part in this competition. Your perspective matters, and your images will become part of the bicentenary of photography. Say Cheese!”

© David Dare Parker

How to Enter

1. Take a photo, or dig up a favourite you have already taken — any subject, any style
2. Give your photo a title in French language
3. Submit it below by 30 September 2026.
4. That's it!

SUBMISSIONS OPEN ON 1st SEPTEMBER

The contest is free and open to everyone in Australia over the age of 16, no matter your experience. You don't need to be a member or student of the Alliance Française to participate.

Each Alliance Française across Australia will select one winning photograph and award a specially crafted local prize to their winner.

All winning photographs will then be featured on the social media channels of the Alliance Française Australia network and the French Embassy in Australia — sharing your image with thousands of francophiles across the country and beyond.

Terms and Conditions apply.

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For more information please contact us: info@afcairns.org.au