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Featured image by Shaun Li / Cog Creative Space. Other images by Ben Liew
Adelaide-based photographer Ben Liew has been named the Australian Commercial Photographer of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Australian Photographic Prize. Ben was awarded top honours for his commercial photography for the luxury brand Khaviyar Caviar.
Ben typically employs his classic documentary style to portray the impactful story of a brand, person, or place and then convey that message to the viewer. And that’s exactly what he achieved with Khaviyar Caviar.
He captured the brand’s Beluga caviar in a way that’s moody, intriguing and ultra-luxe, an ideal way to introduce the brand to Australian audiences.
Winning Image at for Australian Commercial Photographer of the Year
Although Ben has been a professional photographer for almost two decades, it was a career path he fell into almost by accident.
“I enjoyed photography but never thought of it as becoming my career,” he shared. “I could take pretty photos, and when I went over to Melbourne, actually, to pursue a career in animation, it wasn’t until I was over there that I realised that, you know, there was a lot of potential in photography.”
After working a few part-time photography jobs while studying, Ben thought maybe he’d give it a go full-time. And it’s lucky he did, because he turned out to be a truly exceptional photographer.
He’s worked in all types of spaces, doing everything from weddings to portraits and commercial shots, but one thing he attributes his success to is diversifying his talents. Early in his career, he took the time to study business and really nail that side of things, so his images could succeed the way he intended.
“Getting a business certificate gave me a lot of knowledge about how to run a business, which I think is so important to being successful.”
Since then, Ben has steadily built his profile and now mainly focuses on shooting in and around the commercial space.
Over the years, Ben has been well rewarded for his work, but to add another trophy to the cabinet is always exciting.
“It feels amazing, and so well timed,” Ben shared. The news came at a deeply personal moment for him and his family, which he said felt like a quiet nod from the universe at just the right time.
Winning an award at the Australian Photographic Prize is no small feat. Judged by a panel of over 50 leading experts, with more than 2,500 entries submitted from 21 countries, the competition showcases some of the most exciting photographic work being produced today.
Ben’s win is a celebration of his talent behind the lens and also shines a spotlight on the strength of South Australia’s creative scene.
To check out the rest of the winners, click here.
To see more of Ben’s work, click here.
