Finalists announced for the 2025 AOP Emerging Talent Awards

The finalists are now announced for the AOP’s 2025 Emerging Talent Awards, celebrating the very best in the new wave of photographers and image makers, who have been practising their craft for fewer than three years.

There are no restrictions on what can be entered. The competition is open to AOP members and non-members alike. Through this award, the AOP provides a chance for emerging photographers and image makers to be seen by leading commissioners and names within the photographic industry.

Showcasing talent at the 40th AOP Awards

The finalists’ work will be exhibited alongside the 40th AOP Photography Award Finalists at the official AOP Awards Showcase in London. Gold and Silver winners will be announced live on the evening of 9 October 2025. AOP Emerging Talent Award Finalists will also feature in the highly collectable 40th AOP Awards Book.

Prizes include a tailored AOP Associate Membership Package designed with the recipient’s career path in mind. In addition, advice will be offered on advancing their current professional photography practice. This includes one-to-one folio reviews with industry representatives, and a business practice review worth £500.

Recognising emerging talent

In its fifth year, the Emerging Talent Award reflects the AOP’s commitment to supporting photographers at every stage of their career. It is a popular competition that attracts entries globally. With no categories or themes in this competition, the choice of work submitted is entirely up to the photographer. It can be personal or commissioned.

Stills, moving images, and the creative use of technologies and innovations in the production of works created by a person are accepted as in previous years. Although AI produced images are not. All images must have been created on or after 1 January 2024.

A spotlight on the finalists

The four judges for the 2025 AOP Emerging Talent Awards are:

● Todd Antony, Award-winning AOP Accredited Photographer and Director
● Francis Augusto, AOP Accredited Photographer
● Kate Congreve, Producer, Mother London
● Lucille Flood, Content Producer and Commissioner

About the Association of Photographers (AOP)

Isabelle Doran, CEO of the Association of Photographers, says of the AOP Emerging Talent Award, “Our Emerging Talent finalists this year showcase a common focus, portraying the importance of identity in today’s society, together with some entries presenting a certain playfulness and hope in their visual interpretation of the human spirit. It will be fascinating to see our finalists’ next steps as they traverse the professional landscape over the coming years.”

“At Wex Photo Video, we know the future of photography depends on bold new voices. The Emerging Talent category is where ideas take root and perspectives are reshaped, and we’re proud to support those pushing the medium forward.” Tiffany Tangen, Head of Content, Wex Photo Video, sponsors of the AOP’s 2025 Emerging Talent Awards.

A fifty-seven-year commitment

The Association of Photographers was formed in 1968 as the Association of Fashion and Advertising Photographers and is one of the most prestigious professional photographers’ associations in the world. The Association’s aims are to protect, promote and inspire the worth and standing of its members within the commercial photographic industry.

Its mission is to be the guiding force for professional photographers, and image-makers, on matters relating to business practice in still and moving images, whether from a practical, educational or legal basis. The Association brings professionals together and provides a sense of community that is simply unavailable anywhere else.

Promoting achievement

It promotes the highest levels of achievement, and campaigns for its members’ interests at all levels. The AOP membership has always been formed by some of the most influential, trailblazing photographers in the history of the art form. Past and present members include the likes of Terence Donovan, Rankin, Tim Flach, Nadav Kander, Tessa Traeger, David Bailey, Julia Fullerton-Batten and Jillian Edelstein.

For over 50 years, members’ work has appeared in global advertising campaigns, books, newspapers, magazines, exhibitions and cultural events the world over. Membership is open to professional and assisting photographers working in the creative sector; agents; any individuals working in the photographic industry; those starting out in the profession; those in education; and anyone with an interest in professional photography.

The many awards presented by the AOP in its calendar reflect the organisation’s commitment to showcasing the very best in photography. It also believes in promoting and protecting the rights of professional photographers at all stages in their career. And celebrating the diversity of creative human endeavour.

About Wex Photo Video

Wex Photo Video is one of the UK’s foremost destinations for photographers and filmmakers, trusted by over a million creatives. With more than 30,000 products, alongside rentals, repairs and expert guidance, Wex supports both professionals and the next generation of image-makers through education, community, and inspiration.

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