UNiDAYS Student Photographers of the Year Awards 2024
Check out the winning shots and get the deets on our FREE London showcase!
BEST: AFTER DARK ADVENTURE
🏆Connor Green🏆
The City of Liverpool College
@Greencreatiive
What Connor says:
“This was part of a collection of images I took about street photography with horror inspiration and colours.
I had recently moved back to Waterloo as it was an area that I remembered quite fondly when I was a child. The plaza lights always had my attention whenever I visited the cinema as a child, and I wanted to capture that love for the Plaza Cinema but also as a memory so I never forget those nights at the local cinema and the lights.
I stood around for about 2 hours, waiting for the right shot and I remember being unbelievably excited once I had taken the image. It was my first day with my dream camera I had just bought and having the meaningful connection with the image and seeing how well it came out had me overjoyed.”
What Matt Porteus says:
“This photograph exemplifies masterful composition, capturing a significant moment under the nostalgic glow of the Plaza Cinema's lights.
The photographer's dedication to capturing the perfect shot, waiting for two hours under the lights, really paid off. The timing was impeccable, with the subject's leg position and placement within the frame creating a dynamic and engaging image.
The use of light not only enhances the scene's mood but brings a vivid sense of memory and emotion to the forefront, making it a powerful homage to childhood memories. This image stands out for its emotional depth and precise execution.”
WINNING: AFTER DARK SHOT
A 1-in-a-million shot from my Jackie Chaz: The Barnsley Brawler project, depicting Jack Boast fighting in the ring for a title belt.
Callam Baker
University of Lincoln
@callambaker_
photography
View image
Callam Baker
University of Lincoln
@callambaker_
photography
WINNING: USE OF AI SHORTLIST
Captured a friend’s backflip in the last of the snowy days, using Adobe Lightroom to add a film-like nature to the shot.
Olly Coxx
University of Leeds
@Ollycoxx
View image
Olly Coxx
University of Leeds
@Ollycoxx
WINNING: IN-ACTION MOMENT SHORTLIST
Remy Udeh photographed mid-flight, celebrating junior basketball talent at the Hoopsfix All Star Classic.
Kai Johnson
South Essex College of Further and Higher Education
@r.j.m21
View image
Kai Johnson
South Essex College of Further and Higher Education
@r.j.m21
BEST: USE OF AI
Sponsored by Adobe
🏆Joshua Mallett🏆
Europa School UK
@joshua.mallett
What Joshua says:
“A monk is captured walking back home after a day of study at Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim, north-eastern India, taken during my travels with a few friends.
The shot was taken with a Canon 77D. I patiently waited for a monk to walk down the winding road that forms the background, which I felt encapsulated the simplicity of a monk’s life.
During post-processing, I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve. I used AI to remove distractions around the monk and expand the background in Adobe Photoshop. Then, I used Lightroom to adjust the colours, enhancing the overall mood and highlighting the serene moment and the monk's stunning bright red robe.”
What Matt Porteus says:
“This image of a monk walking home through the tranquil settings of Rumtek Monastery is a testament to the thoughtful use of AI in photography.
The photographer's adept application of AI to expand the backdrop and remove distractions amplifies the simplicity and serenity of the monk's daily life, allowing the bright red of his robe to stand out beautifully against a seamless background.
The subtle yet effective post-processing enhances the natural calmness of the scene, making the photograph not just a visual treat but a breathtaking depiction of peace and dedication.”
BEST: IN-ACTION
MOMENT
🏆Callam Baker🏆University of Lincoln
@callambaker_photography
What Callum says:
“The image is from my university 3rd year project called Jackie Chaz: The Barnsley Brawler which was about my cousin, Jack, and his kickboxing career.
When I take images of Jack, I feel proud as he is not only fighting for himself and his team but he is also fighting for his family… While taking images of Jack in the ring, I get an adrenaline rush because of how you want your family to come out on top or at the very least, not get knocked out.
When I took this image, I realised that this was a one-in-a-million shot due to the composition of Jack and his opponent, the sweat that has been punched off Jack's opponent and how you can see the image reflected in the screen in the background. It all adds up and rounds out the image nicely.”
What Matt Porteus says:
“The composition in this photograph is outstanding, capturing the intense action and emotion of the fight with exceptional clarity.
The dynamic interaction between the fighters, highlighted by the expert use of backlighting, vividly brings out the drama and physical exertion. The sweat caught in mid-air and the strategic reflection in the background enhance the visual impact and add depth to the storytelling.
This image is a testament to personal and athletic struggle, beautifully encapsulated in a high-stakes moment.”
The Gallery Showcase
Shoreditch Showroom, 1 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, Hackney, London, E2 8AA
17 July | 2pm – 8pm
Join us in Shoreditch for an unforgettable showcase:
- A showcase of the shortlist & winning pics
- Good vibes (DJ, free canapes and cocktails)
- Photo op: capture the day with our poster backdrop
- Unleash creativity: at our graffiti station
- Free souvenir snaps: like printouts and key chains
How to get there:
The Shoreditch Showroom is just a short walk from Old Street underground (Northern line), and Shoreditch High Street station (Overground).
The Guest Judge
Meet Matt Porteous, award-winning photographer and conservationist. He’ll be there on the day to meet the winners and celebrate this year’s photography talent!
Shop ‘Til the Winners Drop
Save on your fave brands while you wait to see the winning snaps…
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