Created to celebrate the previous year’s unforgettable, unique and unsung music images, this annual, global competition will shine a light on the creatives behind the lens – whether established, emerging or undiscovered. Winners will be chosen by a panel helmed by photographer, publisher and director Rankin, together with US photographer, Raven B Varona (Adele), photographer and videographer Pooneh Ghana (Olivia Rodrigo, Beck, and The Strokes), photographers Ashley Verse (Stormzy, Tom Grennan) and Sam Rockman (Limp Bizkit), Vanity Fair’s editor of Creative Development David Friend, Abbey Road’s first ever ‘Artist In Residence’ Jordan Rakei, Gossip frontwoman and fashion icon Beth Ditto, Sleaford Mods’ Jason Williamson, Mercury nominated jazz musician Moses Boyd, artist and drag queen Bimini and Decca Records Director of A&R Rachel Holmberg.

How to Enter

1. Enter now and select your category

2. Upload your images

3. Tell us about the photos and the photographer behind the lens

4. Submit

Prizes

All winners of the Music Photography Awards will be presented with a MPAs trophy unique to their award. Other prizes include:

• An exclusive virtual mentoring experience with renowned photographer & Rolling Stone magazine’s Deputy Photo Editor, Sacha Lecca. This unique prize offers invaluable guidance, advice and insights from one of the best in the field
• Dive deep into the world of underground music scenes with a virtual mentorship from esteemed photographer and guest judge, Simon Wheatley
• Seize the spotlight with a one-week takeover of the iconic ‘“Pop Two”’ space on the world-famous screens at Outernet London. This incredible opportunity allows you to showcase an exclusive exhibition right in the heart of central London, UK
• Plus win a mentorship session with head judge Rankin, which includes a portfolio review session with Rankin’s creative agency and an opportunity to tour the studio and shadow Rankin on a The Hunger Magazine shoot, both of which will take place in London, UK

Useful Information to Keep in Mind

It’s free to enter the Abbey Road Studios Music Photography Awards competition. Simply register your email address and follow the on-screen guidance.

You must be over the age of 18 to enter the Music Photography Awards.

For five of the categories (Undiscovered Photographer of the Year, Music Moment of the Year, Underground Scenes, Live Music and Making Music) all photos submitted must be taken in 2023.

The Jazz: The Rebirth of Cool category is in celebration of Jazz and serves as a vibrant homage to jazz photography across the years. In celebration the MPAs will be accepting images outside of 2023.

For each submission, you'll need to submit between three to five images depending on the category you choose to enter. For the Undiscovered Photographer of the Year you'll need to submit five images to showcase your work as a photographer. Your entry will be judged on all five images. For the Music Moment of the Year you'll need to submit three photographs. For all other categories, you'll need to submit a minimum of three and maximum of five photographs. Any image you submit may be considered for the category shortlist.

Closing date for entries is 22 July 2024.

You can only enter once per category; however, you can submit the same photo in multiple categories. If you submit an entry into an incorrect category, it cannot be amended or altered after submission.

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