AWARDS
CATEGORIES
2025 JUDGES
The judging panel for this year's Awards is packed full of talent at the top of their game from across the creative industries. Lead by MPA co-founder, British photographer, publisher and film director Rankin, the panel includes special guest judge and musical icon Nile Rodgers, actor, producer and songwriter Djo/Joe Keery, Black Pumas’ frontman Eric Burton, producer/DJ Dimitri From Paris and Sunflower Bean’s frontwoman Julia Cumming. British photographers Scarlet Page , two-time MPA winner Tom Pallant, MPA nominee Bolade Banjo, Shot by Nee, legendary photographer Janette Beckman and category judge Simon Wheatley complete the storied line up of judges for 2025.
SHORTLISTING PANEL
This year’s shortlisting panel is helmed by our Chief Shortlister Sacha Lecca (Rolling Stone Deputy Photo Editor), alongside photographers Yasi, Todd Owyoung, Jennifer McCord & CJ Harvey.
HOW TO ENTER
PRIZES
All winners of the Music Photography Awards will be presented with a MPA 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 category 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 1-2-1 mentorship session with head judge Rankin
USEFUL INFO
It’s free to enter the Abbey Road 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 seven of the categories (Emerging Photographer of the Year, Music Moment of the Year, Underground Scenes, Live Music, Making Music, Portrait & Festivals) all photos submitted must be taken in 2024.
This year’s guest category is Club Culture, the MPAs will be accepting images from any year.
For each category, you'll need to submit between three to five images depending on which one you choose to enter. For the Emerging Photographer of the Year you'll need to submit a portfolio of 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.
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.