The Head On Portrait Prize awards is one of the world’s most competitive photography awards. It attracts more than 5,000 entries.

This year, Jouk Oosterhof has won Third Prize for her image of prolific Instagrammer Lara Verheijden, a 24-year-old Dutch photographer, stylist, model and model scout.

Moreover, her exhibition, Muse (noun): The source of inspiration for a creative artist was selected as a Featured Exhibition in the Head On Photo Festival. The exhibition is a series of portraits of her long-time muse and former neighbour, André.

“It’s an honour to be selected as the third prize winner. My thanks go out to the jury for choosing my favourite portrait taken in the last year, of Lara Verheijden on the garden table. Many thanks also to the whole Head On Photo Festival for selecting the exhibition of my muse, André, as a featured exhibition,” Oosterhof commented.

Oosterhof has been applauded internationally as a commercial, portrait and editorial photographer for more than 15 years. Her images are staged in carefully selected lived-in interiors where the walls, floors and furnishings add their histories. Her subjects are thoughtfully composed to create flattering and genuine portraits.

Photoplay Photography producer Ross Colebatch stated, “When we were looking at the best way to introduce Jouk to Australian audiences, encouraging her to submit for the Head On Photo Festival made the most sense to us. It’s an incredible way for her unique style and distinct talent to be introduced to the local scene.”

Alison Lydiard, executive producer, added, “We are absolutely thrilled that Head On chose to include Jouk in this year’s festival. And with her powerful portrait of Lara Verheijden taking a prize, it’s been quite the introduction!”