Melbourne-based photographer Jo Duck has been named a finalist in the National Photographic Portrait Prize for a whimsical image born out of a playful collaboration with actor Maria Angelico. The portrait, captured at a local community hall, showcases a series of fictional characters inspired by the world of dog shows.

Duck, known for her work in fine art and advertising photography, and Angelico, who owns an Australian shepherd named Peta, conceived the project while exchanging humorous messages about the often theatrical nature of dog shows. Their conversations highlighted the stylized presentation of dogs and their owners, which they found both amusing and camp.

With both artists between jobs at the time, they decided to turn their shared fascination into a photo shoot. Angelico brought her dog, Peta, to the session, while the two friends drew from their extensive collection of wigs and costumes to create five distinct characters, each aligned with typical dog show archetypes.

According to Duck, the first four personas portrayed by Angelico were all female. These included a goth woman with an emotional support dog and a tiara-adorned character who appeared excessively devoted to her pet. For the final transformation, Angelico adopted the guise of a male character, sporting a dated suit, mop-top wig, and faux mustache.

The male persona, whom the duo named Leith, was described as an awkward, bumbling figure whose dog displays more authority than its owner. Duck recalled that this character emerged spontaneously during the shoot, prompting laughter and improvisation from both women.

The resulting series combines humor and keen observation, capturing the eccentricities and social dynamics often found in dog show culture. Duck expressed surprise that this lighthearted work was recognized by the National Portrait Gallery, which selected the image as a finalist among numerous submissions.

The National Photographic Portrait Prize, held annually, aims to celebrate contemporary portrait photography and puts a spotlight on innovative approaches to capturing personality and story. Duck’s playful project offers a fresh take, blending performance, costume, and character study within a familiar cultural setting.