Last opportunity to submit entries for the worldwide music photography honors - the unique awards are eager to view your brilliant photographic creations in the field of music.
In the world of music photography, the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards (MPAs) stands as a beacon for both budding and established photographers. This year, the competition is set to attract a diverse range of entries with its eight open categories, including two new additions: Portrait and Festivals.
The MPAs offer a unique opportunity for photographers to gain career-building exposure, tailored mentorships, and industry recognition. Notably, two-time MPA winner, Tom Pallant, has joined the judging panel this year, bringing his wealth of experience to the table.
Tom Pallant, known for demonstrating that high-quality work can be achieved with limited gear, encourages photographers to approach local bands for opportunities and gain experience through work, even if it's unpaid initially. He also advises that a photo should evoke emotions and transport the viewer into the scene.
For those unsure about their work, Tom encourages sharing it, as it may resonate with others. He found the MPAs valuable for his career growth, citing portfolio reviews and industry connections as particularly beneficial. This year, he is looking forward to judging the Festival and Undiscovered categories.
The prestigious judging panel for the MPAs includes renowned photographers such as Rankin, Janette Beckman, and musical legends like Nile Rodgers. The winner's work will be exhibited at Outernet London, providing a global platform for their talent.
The competition is free to enter, making it accessible to photographers of all experience levels. It attracts thousands of entries from many countries, with over 22,000 entries from 30 countries in 2024 alone. The variety of categories, including Music Moment of the Year, Emerging Photographer of the Year, Live Music, Portraits, Festivals, and more, allows photographers to enter images that best represent their style or subject.
Apart from category wins, special awards like the Judges’ Choice and ICON award recognize outstanding creativity and contribution to music photography. Winners can receive various prizes, including a mentorship session with the famous photographer Rankin, offering career development opportunities.
Kim Bunermann, a photographer, editor, and writer with work published internationally, encourages creatives to explore photography's role in culture and embrace its creative potential through features, tutorials, and gear reviews. She holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer. Her work focuses on the art and science of photography, blending technical expertise with visual insight.
In summary, the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards can enhance a photographer’s profile, provide important networking opportunities, and offer career-boosting rewards in the competitive field of music photography. The competition is open for entries until July 28, 2025. To submit your work, visit mpa.photo.
- The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards (MPAs) caters to both burgeoning and established photographers in the world of music photography.
- This year, the MPAs competition includes eight open categories, including two new additions: Portrait and Festivals.
- The MPAs offers a chance for photographers to gain exposure, mentorship, and industry recognition, and has attracted thousands of entries from many countries.
- Two-time MPA winner, Tom Pallant, is part of the judging panel this year, bringing his expertise and advice.
- Tom Pallant encourages photographers to approach local bands, gain experience, and invest in their gear, believing high-quality work can be achieved with limited resources.
- A photo, according to Tom, should evoke emotions and transport the viewer into the scene.
- Sharing work is encouraged by Tom, as it may resonate with others and help in career growth.
- The prestigious judging panel for the MPAs includes renowned photographers like Rankin, Janette Beckman, and musical legends like Nile Rodgers.
- The winner's work will be exhibited at Outernet London, providing a global platform for their talent.
- Apart from category wins, special awards like the Judges’ Choice and ICON award recognize outstanding creativity and contribution to music photography.
- Kim Bunermann, a photographer, editor, and writer, encourages creatives to explore photography's role in culture and learn through features, tutorials, and gear reviews. She holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography.
