Abbey Road’s Music Photography Awards announces return and opens entries
The celebrated event returns in October.
By Nick Reilly
Abbey Road’s annual Music Photography Awards have announced their return for the fourth year, as well as opening submissions.
The MPAs showcase the work of photographers from across the globe and welcome free submissions from snappers at every stage of their career, ahead of an awards ceremony which takes place on October 2 at Abbey Road.
This year also sees the introduction of two new categories to diversify entries: Portrait and Festivals, and the wide-ranging Club Culture, which celebrates images from any given year.
The awards will be led once more by co-founder Rankin, while a panel of guest judges includes the likes of Nile Rodgers, Djo aka Joe Keery, Sunflower Bean singer Julia Cumming and Black Pumas leader Eric Burton. In addition, some of the photographers offering their verdicts include previous winner Tom Pallant, known for his work with Yungblud and Blur and Janette Beckman, who captured seminal shots of Run DMC.
They’ll be choosing from a shortlist headed up by Rolling Stone US’s Sacha Lecca, alongside Todd Owyoung, Yasi, Jennifer McCord and CJ Harvey.
“I’m thrilled to be back for year four of the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards,” said Rankin. “Each year, the standard of entries gets more impressive, and it’s been a real joy to watch so many of the photographers we’ve spotlighted go on to carve out real careers in the industry. The launch of the Music Photography Accelerator marks a new chapter, one that goes beyond recognition to real investment in the next wave of talent. Abbey Road is building a global platform that not only showcases emerging photographers but supports their journey, offering them opportunities to learn, collaborate and gain real world experience.”
Last year’s event memorably saw Noel Gallagher make a guest appearance to honour Jill Furmanovsky, who took some of the most iconic shots of Oasis in their 90s pomp.
Sally Davies, managing director at Abbey Road, added: “Music photography doesn’t just document culture — it plays a vital role in shaping it. With the Music Photography Awards we’re proud to champion the image-makers capturing music’s most powerful moments and pushing the boundaries of visual creativity. And as the awards evolve into the cornerstone of our Music Photography Accelerator, it’s exciting to not only spotlight talent, but continue to nurture it, helping it connect and thrive. It’s about opening doors for the next generation of music photographers, and we can’t wait to see the incredible work they will submit this year.”
Hopefuls can enter for free via the website until July 28.