© Raymond Davies, Finalist Emerging Talent 2024
© Mieke Douglas
Isabelle Doran, CEO The Association of Photographers said, “The AOP’s guiding principle behind our open entry for ‘Emerging Talent’ is to provide an opportunity for a new wave of photographers and image-makers, of any age or background whose work truly shines and resonates, to be discovered above and beyond the crowded marketplace.”
For this special AOP Project there are no restrictions on what you can enter. We simply want to see your most amazing work. You can enter Stills, Moving Image and Innovation.
This AOP Project opens Monday 4 March 2024 and closes on 22 April 2024.
Providing a chance for emerging photographers and image makers to be seen by leading commissioners and names within the photographic industry.
This award can deliver a much needed springboard to help you progress your photographic career. Open to AOP member and non-members alike, we want to showcase up-and-coming talent.
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
Raymond Davies
Lauren Gilholm
Max Kessell
Ana Peiró Muñoz
Cody Jai Murray
Ruth Samuels
Franzis Sanchez
Panos Chatzistefanou (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.
Series Entry
Project Title: Offline
Project Description:
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.
5301-0. Whispers of Existential Strain
In the midst of mundane tasks, a girl contemplates existential uncertainties while grappling with the unspoken weight of daily life. Her thoughtful gaze lingers beyond the untouched kitchen light, revealing a poignant moment in the quiet struggle of self-discovery.
5301-1. Lost in the Abyss of Thought
In a moment of profound introspection, a girl reclines on the couch, captivated by the aquarium’s aquatic ballet. The cat gazes out of the window, adding a touch of mystery to the scene, while remnants of a shared meal linger on the table, echoing the quiet companionship of their contemplative world.
5301-2. Lost in the Abyss of Thought
In a moment of profound introspection, a girl reclines on the couch, captivated by the aquarium’s aquatic ballet. The cat gazes out of the window, adding a touch of mystery to the scene, while remnants of a shared meal linger on the table, echoing the quiet companionship of their contemplative world.
5301-3. Night Reflections: Contemplation on the Balcony
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.
5301-4. A Glimpse into Inner Beauty
Sometimes, women are alone at home, lost in thought, carrying the weight of life’s challenges. They aren’t always happy; anxiety and isolation are part of their reality too. The image remind us to look beyond surface appearances and find beauty in simplicity and self-reflection.
I’m Raymond Davies a photographer working in Edinburgh. I’m also studying professional photography at Edinburgh College where I produced my AOP Emerging Tallent images as part of my coursework. I enjoy a wide range of photography including sports, live music and portraiture. Portraiture is an area of photography that I discovered a love for during my studies at Edinburgh College and that I look forward to developing further as part of my ongoing work. My submitted images represent a cross-section of my portrait work, covering both studio and outdoor environments that I love to shoot in.
Series Entry
Project Title: Portraiture Selection
Project Description:
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.
5192-0. Ocean Plastic
From a project inspired by Hill & Adamson’s photographic work, and the paintings by John McGhie, capturing fishwives on the East Coast of Scotland. In my version, the catch of the day has been replaced by plastic waste to draw attention to the damage littering does to the seas and coastline around Scotland, and across the globe.
5192-1. Gangster
From a series of images produced as concept promotional images for a fictional gangster film
5192-2
Jani
Portrait of Jani, a guitarist from Edinburgh
5192-3. Neil
An environmental portrait of Neil, a guitarist from Edinburgh
5192-4. Becky
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
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.
Series Entry
Project Title: Lost in the Fog
Project Description:
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.
5227-0. Lost in the Fog 1
Audi’s TT is one of their most well know 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.
5227-1. Lost in the Fog 2
Audi’s TT is one of their most well know 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. This image emphasises the extra details on the black edition, with the fixed rear spoiler and vents.
5227-2. Lost in the Fog 3
Audi’s TT is one of their most well know 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. The fog in this image helps illustrate the power of Audi’s Matrix Headlights.
5227-3. Lost in the Fog 4
Audi’s TT is one of their most well know 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. This abstract image shows the shapes and details within the tail lights.
5227-4. Lost in the Fog 5
Audi’s TT is one of their most well know 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. This abstract image shows the details and sharp angles within the Matrix Headlights.
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.
Series Entry
Project Title: Where the sun sets on an Oyster Bay
Project Description:
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.
5308-0. Crabbing At Broadstairs Beach
I took a weekend trip to Broadstairs in Kent with my girlfriend. She had grown up there and I’d spent a lot of time there as a child so I had a strong personal connection to this place. As a lot of young children spend summer down there, it was interesting to see kids doing what once did, for example, rock pooling and crabbing. That’s how I captured this image of the children and their parents crabbing at the side of the car park, which brought back fond memories for me and hopefully made some for them too.
5308-1. Untitled
This summer, Whilst shooting my series “Where the sun sets on an Oyster Bay” I travelled around the south coast of England’s beaches, photographing the scenery and the characters in the area. During a day trip to Southend at the end of summer I noticed this life ring that had a handprint on it, I approached and discovered it was from anti-climb paint, the same anti-climb paint used on the Southend theme park. The paint left behind this ghostly mark, a remnant of someone solidified in time. During a day trip to Southend at the end of summer I noticed this life ring that had a handprint on it, I approached and discovered it was from anti-climb paint, the same anti-climb paint used on the Southend theme park. The paint left behind this ghostly mark, a remnant of someone solidified in time.
5308-2. Untitled
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.
5308-3
Similarly to the other photos in the series, this one of dreamland abandoned emphasised the idea that outside of summer these places in the UK are slowly being forgotten about. I found the contradiction of the name “dreamland” with the obvious dilapidated theme park quote numerous too.
5308-4
In this shot, I wanted to observe and capture the essence of this traditional British pastime enjoyed by Brits regardless of colour or creed. Despite the apparent differences between the beach-goers, these seaside towns offer a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. 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 image 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. For example, the man with a huge English tattoo would usually have negative connotations yet was surrounded by families from all different races – they were co-existing in a way.
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).
Series Entry
Project Title: Memories
Project Description:
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.
5233-0. Memories #1
Image #1 of photo series “Memories”, featuring 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.
5223-1. Memories #2
Image #2 of photo series “Memories”, featuring 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.
5223-2. Image #3
Image #3 of photo series “Memories”, featuring 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.
5223-3. Image #4
Image #4 of photo series “Memories”, featuring 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.
5223-4. Memories #5
Image #5 of photo series “Memories”, featuring 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.
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.
Series Entry
Project Title: SYMBIOSIS
Project Description:
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.
5222-0. Lili
This image is part of a photographic series that 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.
5222-1. Louis
This image is part of a photographic series that 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.
5222-2. Ajiem
This image is part of a photographic series that 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.
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.
Series Entry
Project Title: The Beholder
Project Description:
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.
5293-0. 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.
5293-1. The Beholder: Caitlyn#2
From the series “The Beholder”, which celebrates black, female beauty outside of the lens of Western beauty ideals. This portrait centres on the beauty to be found in Caitlyn’s deep-hued dark skin, and curves.
5293-2. The Beholder: Hue
A celebration of the hues found in deep brown skin.
5293-3. The Beholder: Monolith
While representation and diversity have become more mainstream considerations, change can sometimes be revealed as simple virtue signalling. This image presents a fraction of the diversity that exists among black women, whose experience cannot be reduced to one token woman of colour with textured hair. We are not a monolith.
5293-4. The Beholder: Volume
So much of black female identity is presented through hair: its versatility and the complex politics of showcasing its natural texture This portrait has been composed in recognition of this element of shared experience.
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.
Single Entry
5311-0. Gas Shelter (Mr Jones home)
I came across The Social Bite Village when I was researching my architectural project around the old Victorian gas tower on the outskirts of Granton in Edinburgh. I was struck by the rectangular geometric forms of the prefabricated dwellings that contrasted with the imposing cylindrical form of the old gas tower situated just above the settlement on a hill. As I was taking my photographs, a Border Collie dog came out of one of the huts to meet me, followed by its owner, one of the villagers, who was a bit drunk…. He sat down on a nearby bench and was interested in what I was doing and although he didn’t want me to take pictures of him or the villagers, I introduced myself and continued with him taking pictures of the tower, explaining to him what my project consisted of. Finally, he was interested and pointing to my Nikon DSLR he said: “Hey, that camera looks really good… could you take a picture of me and my dog?”
![Kate Congreve2[3]](https://www.aopawards.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Kate-Congreve23-q2fn0q02kud05ydzhgihcn3ivobjdkp3eb0qnssag0.jpg "Kate Congreve2[3]")
Kate started her career as a photo agent and producer working with esteemed high profile portrait and fashion photographers. After 10 years she moved over to the Advertising agency side as an art buyer working for many top 20 agencies and working across many different brands and high profile campaigns. Finally landing at Mother in 2017, Kate’s role as senior producer has helped to shape the print and social outputs of the agency to produce award winning creative work while actively championing up and coming artists.
Kate’s creative insights and great eye has enabled her to be at the forefront of advertising photography and a respected member of the industry both in terms of commissioning and mentoring creative talents.
Jason is currently Photography and Visuals Lead at Comic Relief and was Creative Director of Photography at the BBC for many years, responsible for promotional photography across all BBC content. his judging credentials including the Sony World Photography Awards, Promax, Feature Shoot and Communication Arts in the US.
He also runs his own creative consultancy based in London, working with commercial clients, broadcasters, agencies, and photographers to maximise the impact of their imagery and creative processes. He’s across shoot production, mentoring, creative direction, curation, portfolio reviews, and business development.
Stills
A single image or series of images (2-5) can be entered.
Moving image
A piece of moving imagery up to 7 minutes in length, content is up to you but must demonstrate your understanding and skills within the medium. All entries in this category must reference whether the work is collaboration with another artist be it a director, editor, colour-grader, musician etc., or whether it’s the independent work of the photographer. You may wish to illustrate the creative use of technologies for example AR, VR, CGI or any other technique.
Innovation
An example of creative excellence that illustrates the clever use of technologies and innovation in the production of still images. This can be AR, VR, CGI or any other technique.
Entry Fees
(All prices include VAT @20%)
Members 4 March – 30 April 2024
Single – £10.00
Series – £20.00
Moving and Innovation – £10.00
Non-Members 4 March – 30 April 2024
Single – £15.00
Series – £30.00
Moving/Innovation – £15.00
See below for previous year’s Gold and Silver winners
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This is your chance to be seen by leading commissioners and names within the photographic industry.
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