John Coxon's memory honoured with Newcastle photography competition.

Entries are now open for the inaugural John Coxon Memorial Photographic Awards, which will offer about $6000 in cash prizes.

One of the award organisers, Mark Thomas, said the honour of “master photographer” was bestowed on John Coxon by the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers twice over.

“He was a big believer in helping up and coming photographers, he would mentor them, take them under his wing,” Mr Thomas said. 

“Hopefully this will create something that will become a showcase event for Newcastle on a yearly basis.”

Details for the event can be found via the John Coxon Memorial Photographic Awards Facebook page.

“There are a lot of talented photographers in Newcastle, and when they are looking to test themselves against other photographers, they tend to have to go to Sydney, Melbourne, and across other countries,” Mr Thomas said.

Mr Coxon died of a heart attack almost two years ago. He was 60.

“As a photographer he worked in a number of areas, but his passion was portrait photography, followed by landscape,” Mr Thomas said.

“The bulk of the prize money will target up and coming photographers.

“It will also give people the opportunity to win things like mentorships and prize money.”

Entries for the competition need to be submitted by June 29.

The work of the top 100 entrants will be displayed at a two-day exhibition at Merewether Surfhouse.