We are delighted to introduce the Finalists for the 2024 AOP Emerging Talent Award. Winners will now be announced live at the 2024 AOP Awards Showcase on 26th September alongside other award winners for 39th AOP Photography Awards. the 2024 AOP Open Award and the 2024 Martin Even Excellence in Digital Retouching Award.
Congratulations to our finalists and all those who entered the 2024 AOP Emerging Talent Award;
Panos Chatzistefanou: Offline
Within this project, women are portrayed within their homes and familiar spaces, in
everyday moments that often pass unnoticed. The photographic depiction of these
women showcases them not as abstract subjects but as protagonists of serene repose,
entrapped in the silence of simple moments. Each small scene (like an abrupt pause in
the everyday rhythm) transforms into a space where existence reacts and resonates,
revealing a conscious yet isolated world of thoughts. Beyond this internal completion,
a social dimension emerges that is linked to the prevailing hyper-connectivity. In an era
of continuous connection and overexposure, it serves as an inviting beacon,
illuminating a different approach. In a society that often displays the external image of
being “connected,” the project urges for internal disconnection. This work attempts to
create an isolated space, urging each viewer to reconnect with their personal reality. It
functions as an internal call, a dialogue guiding towards detachment from the diverse
world of external stimuli and the cacophony of the many, fostering a desire for self-
awareness and self-knowledge, as well as a deeper understanding of the social.
Through the isolation and internal disconnection prompted by the work, the viewer is
confronted with themselves, discovering their personal reality and reconnecting with
their inner needs and values. This deepening of self-awareness and understanding of
the self can lead to a more informed and sensitized approach to social dynamics and
relationships. Thus, the work not only captures isolation but also uses it as a means to
promote a more profound social consciousness and empathy.
Night Reflections: Contemplation on the Balcony © Panos Chatzistefanou
On the balcony, in front of the clothes hung out on the drying rack, a girl holds a clothespin in her hands, lost in thoughts. The light from the kitchen window illuminates her face, while the night brings a subtle sense of anxiety and uncertainty.
(b. 1984) is primarily a self taught photographer who lives and
works in Athens, Greece. In my photographic journey, I delve into the intimate, everyday
moments of women within the sanctuary of their homes, capturing the subtle beauty
and profound depth of their contemplative states. These women, portrayed in their
private spaces, embody a subtle existential anxiety, a quiet reflection of the inner
turmoil that defines the human condition. These images serve to highlight the delicate
interplay between vulnerability and strength, offering a glimpse into the universal
experience of introspection. Through the lens, I aim to challenge societal
preconceptions and celebrate the richness found in the simplicity of everyday life. This
exploration seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the narratives
that shape women's lives, transcending the ordinary to reveal the extraordinary.
Raymond Davies: Portraiture Selection
Portraiture is an area of photography I've found I particularly enjoy since beginning the
Profesional Photography HND course at Edinburgh College last year. For my
submission, I've included a selection of my favourite portraits I have produced as part
of my coursework. The images come from several projects I've embarked upon and
were taken on-location and in the studio using both natural and artificial light.
Portrait of Becky, an artist and surfer from Edinburgh. Becky is wearing her printing apron and holding her surf board to bring together these two important aspects of her life © Raymond Davies
Audi's TT is one of their most well known models, initially made for a younger, sporty
demographic, and has become a fan favourite in the years since. With the TT being
discontinued in late 2023, these images act as a send off to the valiant, loved sportscar
as it becomes replaced by an EV counterpart.
Lauren Gilholm is a commercial advertising photographer, specialising in product,
food, and automotive photography. Her love for taking photos developed during her
childhood, and after being given an Olympus E-PM 1 she quickly found her passion.
After achieving her BA Honours Degree in Photography in 2023, she began freelancing
for businesses throughout Northumberland and up into the Scottish Highlands. Lauren
combines her love for the natural world with her subjects, introducing flora and fauna
into her product work, scene building in her food photography, and embracing beautiful
colours and locations in her automotive work. Lauren is currently expanding her client
base and offering her services across the UK.
Max Kessell: Where the sun sets on an Oyster Bay
Where the Sunsets on an Oyster Bay is my first long-form photographic project,
Starting in the summer of 2023. To get out of this creative rut, I set myself the task of
shooting a long-term project and releasing it as a zine at the end of summer. When
thinking of project ideas I wanted to start with a project I knew a lot about. I chose the
British seaside as it meant a lot to me as a child and I thought that if I explored deeper
than its natural beauty, I could look at some complex social topics. I also wanted to
observe and capture the essence of this traditional British pastime enjoyed by people
regardless of colour or creed. In most situations, Despite the apparent differences
between the beach-goers, these seaside towns offer a welcoming space for everyone. I
found the sometimes comical nature of these towns, with their unique characters,
gaudy arcades and retro bingo halls to be a great source of inspiration for a story. The
significance of this project to me is the relatability of it to British people as well as the
ability to see into a world that must seem incredibly alien to those not from the UK. This
work focuses on the farcical characters and situations as well as the deep-rooted
social quirks I saw in a famously overcast Britain.
Whilst shooting my series where the sun sets on an oyster bay, I came across this fish and chip shop in Southend on the sea. I felt the classic architecture & roaring fan told a story of the stifling heat in a place slowly being forgotten about. © Max Kessell
is a self-taught photographer hailing from Hackney in North London. His
passion lies in landscape and portraiture mainly although he dabbles in live event
photography and has extensive experience in commercial fashion photography also.
This dynamic and varied past has influenced his current works
Ana Piero Munoz: Memories
I took this series of images as part of the Circle Return project organised by the AOP f22
Women Photographers group. My series was created for Week 22 of the project (15th-
21st April 2024). Photographers took turns to create and respond to each other’s
photographs/films, with each contributor having seven days to respond to the previous
entry in the project. I followed on from Stephanie Pollak’s moving story and project
“The Dead Parents Potluck”, photographing five individuals with a dish that evoked
memories of the parent they had lost. Her post deeply moved me as I lost my father
more than 30 years ago. After reading her story, I began thinking of the memories I have
of important people in my life whom I deeply miss. I have some objects that belonged to
them, photographs, the memories of meals we shared together, places we visited,
conversations, smells, music, sounds, and good times. Inspired by these thoughts, I
started working on a series called “Memories”, which features beautiful, delicate
flowers captured in ice, symbolizing the beauty of memories that have survived the
passage of time — where the flowers and the moments they represent have been
carefully selected to be cherished forever. As some of my once vivid memories have
now been softened by the passage of time, in my images I have tried to represent both
my sharper recollections, as well as the soft, faded and blurred memories that I have
been left with.
Ana Peiró Muñoz is a Spanish-British photographer living in Hampshire, UK. She has
always been interested in both science and art, and is particularly passionate about
close-up and macro photography. She holds a PhD in Chemistry and, before focusing
on the visual arts, she worked in chemistry research. Some of her recent accolades
include a shortlist in the 2024 Mobile Photography Awards (The British Photography
Awards and Samsung), Official Selection and Honorable Mention at the International
Photography Awards (One Shot Contest and IPA 2022 Fine Art non-professional
category, respectively), two shortlists at the Close-up Photographer of the Year
(CUPOTY 04) and a Highly Commended at the International Garden Photographer of the
Year (IGPOTY 15)
Cody Jai Murray: SYMBIOSIS
This photographic series celebrates the diversity of human features and the artistry of
hairstyling. Each image captures the essence of the individual, while collectively
showcasing the collaborative work of two hairstylists.
About
Cody Murray:
As a 19-year-old student at Falmouth University pursuing a BA in Photography, my
journey began in Manchester's diverse environment. Being Home educated from age 7
allowed me to dedicate significant time to developing my skills and discovering who I
am. My fascination with hair and human features led me to collaborate with
professional hair stylists, aiming to capture the artistry involved in hairdressing and the
beauty of embracing your features.
Ruth Samuels: The Beholder
While beauty is supposedly in the eye of the beholder, historically black women have
been held to Western/Caucasian beauty ideals and considered to be lacking. Whether
being judged too dark, too muscular, not having 'delicate' enough features, or to have
undesirable hair textures - black women are consistently disparaged in mainstream
media. In this series, I have assumed the role of “The Beholder”, celebrating beauty as I
see it. I sought to soothe any wounds held by those who have been made to feel
inferior, and invite others to find beauty in places they might previously have missed.
The Beholder: Group Portrait, Confidence and pride, love and support often feel hard won for black women. This series is intended to communicate the beauty and worth of the many women who have been made to feel inferior. © Ruth Samuels
About
Ruth Samuels:
I am a London-based, British-Jamaican portrait photographer, originally from the West
Midlands. I am motivated by a desire to learn about different experiences of life, and
highlight issues requiring compassion or a renewed perspective - a thread which ran
through my academic studies in Social Anthropology, and professional work in
international development programmes. Having been led to explore photography
further as a result of chronic illness in 2022, I completed my studies at London Institute
of Photography in April 2023. My work has been featured in the Taylor Wessing Portrait
Prize 2023 Exhibition, shortlisted for Portrait of Britain 2023, and has received an
honourable mention in the 20th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards. My images are
characterised by warm tones, texture, and the play between light and shadows.
Through my photographic work, I aim to empower underrepresented groups, amplify
their voices, and evoke a sense of shared humanity between sitter and viewer. I am
particularly passionate about providing a platform for women and minority cultures,
and sharing stories from a broad variety of communities.
Francisco Javier Sanchez Garcia
About Franzis Sanchez:
I am a Spanish photographer (from Malaga) based in Edinburgh. I have already done my
first professional works in the UK and I am currently completing my HND Photography
studies at Edinburgh College. My passion for photography started at a very young age,
thanks to my father who is a great amateur photographer and with his equipment I
started my interest and my technical and artistic training. My first approach was
landscape, nature, macro, architecture... although in recent years my interest and skills
have increased in portraiture, street photography, cultural subjects, especially those
related to History and traditions
