Struggle behind the lens: Man battling terminal cancer wins top Adelaide prize
In the midst of chemotherapy treatment, a South Australian photographer shares the story behind an award-winning image. See the striking photo.
An Adelaide man with a terminal cancer diagnosis has taken out a top annual photography prize for those over 60, marking an achievement he once feared he might not celebrate.
John Kirk, who will be 77-years-old on Tuesday, took an aerial shot of the city called Adelaide Alive! and it has now won the inaugural Our State Award at the 2026 Through the Lens photography competition sponsored by the South Australian Photographic Federation.
“I think the main aim with my diagnosis has just been doing what I want to do and not letting the cancer dominate me,” John told InDaily while receiving chemotherapy this morning.
The photograph captures Adelaide’s Fringe Festival from above, with the city’s streets, parks and festival precinct illuminated by a sea of colour as crowds gather below.
Taken in 2023, the image was Kirk’s first attempt to use a drone to photograph the city after dark.
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John believes receiving his cancer diagnosis back in 2014 has helped his mind focus on what is important in life.
“I think the cancer diagnosis inadvertently and possibly subtly has just given me a bit more focus,” he says.
“I look at my photography, I think in the last five years when I’m really on very much borrowed time, according to the specialist, I think I’ve done my best work.”
What began as an experiment has since become an award-winning image, marking a significant moment in his 50-year journey with photography.
“I’m particularly excited about this award, as I didn’t know if I’d be here to receive it,” John says.
“To win the award was just a big boost; it was a big lift given the tough times I’ve had.”
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Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well Katrine Hildyard says “for John to capture this image whilst courageously battling terminal cancer is utterly inspiring.”
John was among several older South Australians recognised through the competition that is open to those holding a seniors card, with an awards night held at the State Library of South Australia’s Mortlock Chambers this month.
Fellow photographer Lotte Ebdrub received the Judge’s Choice Award for Wrecked, a striking photograph of an abandoned yellow bus beneath the Milky Way near Port Pirie.
The new award is part of Through the Lens that is in its 14th year and celebrates the creativity and perspective of older South Australians, inspiring them to share the people, places and experiences that inspire them.
The 2026 competition drew 1,069 entries, a significant increase from 670 in 2025.
Hildyard told how “these images are a powerful reminder that learning, creativity and artistic expression can flourish at every age and skill level.”
For John, the award is more than recognition of a photograph. It is an opportunity to celebrate a lifelong passion, when every moment carries added significance.
While cancer has become a part of his story, John says he is determined not to let it define the picture.
His winning image offers a glimpse into Adelaide at its liveliest, overlooking Rundle and Rymill parks, the east end and crowds enjoying the city’s festival season.
“We often lead busy lives when we rush around, particularly if you get sick like this; it sort of stops you, sometimes appreciating it,” John says.
“We all have a very unique view of the world; I encourage people to stop and take time to look and see what’s around them. There’s beauty and interest everywhere.”
The winning and shortlisted photographs will be displayed at Adelaide City Library, North Terrace throughout October and November.
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