Emerging Talent Award 2024

© Bethany Crutchfield, GOLD Winner – Emerging Talent 2023

© Mieke Douglas

2024 Emerging Talent Award | AOP Project

Celebrating the very best in the new wave of photographers and image makers, who have been practicing their craft for less than 3 years.

Isabelle Doran, CEO The Association of Photographers said; “The AOP’s guiding principle behind our open entry for ‘Emerging Talent’ is to provide an opportunity for a new wave of photographers and image-makers, of any age or background whose work truly shines and resonates, to be discovered above and beyond the crowded marketplace.” 

For this special AOP Project there are no restrictions on what you can enter. We simply want to see your most amazing work. You can enter Stills, Moving Image and Innovation.

This AOP Project opens Monday 4 March 2024 and close on 22 April 2024.

Providing a chance for emerging photographers and image makers  to be seen by leading commissioners and names within the photographic industry.

This award can deliver a much needed springboard to help you progress your photographic career. Open to AOP member and non-members alike, we want to showcase up-and-coming talent.

Entry information

Stills
A single image or series of images (2-5) can be entered.

Moving image
A piece of moving imagery up to 7 minutes in length, content is up to you but must demonstrate your understanding and skills within the medium. All entries in this category must reference whether the work is collaboration with another artist be it a director, editor, colour-grader, musician etc., or whether it’s the independent work of the photographer. You may wish to illustrate the creative use of technologies for example AR, VR, CGI or any other technique. 

Innovation
An example of creative excellence that illustrates the clever use of technologies and innovation in the production of still images. This can be AR, VR, CGI or any other technique.

Entry Fees
(All prices include VAT @20%)

Members 4 March – 22 April 2024
Single – £10.00
Series – £20.00
Moving and Innovation – £10.00

Non-Members 4 March – 22 April 2024
Single – £15.00
Series – £30.00
Moving/Innovation – £15.00

Prizes:

    • A tailored AOP Associate Membership Package designed with your career path in mind, along with advice on advancing your current professional photography practice which includes;
      • 1:1 Folio Reviews with industry representatives
      • Business Practice Review worth £500.00
    • Hahnemühle Prize: HFA papers to the value of £300.00 for both Gold and Silver Winner
    • Folio Reviews & 1:1 with Mother London representatives*
    • Folio Consultation and Printing** with MPrint
    • Gold and Silver winners and selected finalists will be exhibited at the AOP Awards Showcase event in September 2024 and will feature in the collectable 39th AOP Awards Book.

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Meet our Judges

Kate Congreve2[3]

Kate Congreve

Producer, Mother London

Kate started her career as a photo agent and producer working with esteemed high profile portrait and fashion photographers. After 10 years she moved over to the Advertising  agency side as an  art buyer working for many top 20 agencies and working across many different brands and high profile campaigns. Finally landing at Mother in 2017,  Kate’s role as senior producer has helped to shape the print and social outputs of the agency to produce award winning creative work while actively championing up and coming artists.

Kate’s creative insights and great eye has enabled her to be at the forefront of advertising  photography and a respected member of the industry both in terms of commissioning and mentoring creative  talents.

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Mother London

Details to Follow

Katy Niker

Photographic Agent & Producer

After studying for a degree in Photography at Blackpool, Katy has worked as an agent and producer for nearly 30 years.
During this time she has represented some of the most awarded and respected commercial photographers of their generation.
Katy has a keen understanding of what it takes to be a commercially viable photographer in these challenging times and enjoys mentoring photographic talent.

Jason Baron

Photography and Visuals Lead at Comic Relief

Jason is currently Photography and Visuals Lead at Comic Relief and was Creative Director of Photography at the BBC for many years, responsible for promotional photography across all BBC content. his judging credentials including the Sony World Photography Awards, Promax, Feature Shoot and Communication Arts in the US.
He also runs his own creative consultancy based in London, working with commercial clients, broadcasters, agencies, and photographers to maximise the impact of their imagery and creative processes. He’s across shoot production, mentoring, creative direction, curation, portfolio reviews, and business development.

Previous Winners and Finalists

2023 Winners

GOLD WINNER: © Bethany Crutchfield

2021 - 2022 Winners

GOLD Winner, Sue Oakford Series: My Still Lifr
© Sue Oakford, GOLD Winner
SILVER Winner, © Jolane Schaffner. Aine / Homebird
© Jolane Schaffner, SILVER Winner
Highly Commended, Andy J Mather
© Andy J Mather, HIGHLY COMMENDED

The AOP is a not-for-profit organisation run by photographers for photographers. All profits go towards providing support for photographers including lobbying, promotion of best practice and the worth of photography and photographers everywhere.

AOP members enjoy discounted entry to the AOP Awards and Open Projects programme.

Why not be part of a huge community of creative image-makers and get the best in support and inspiration?

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