Photos Shortlisted for the AOP Awards, Known as the 'Oscars of Photography'
The Association of Photographers (AOP) has announced the shortlisted entries for its annual photography awards, often referred to as the 'Oscars' of the photography world. This year's competition, spanning 10 categories, aims to celebrate professional excellence in the creative photography and image-making industry.
One of the shortlisted photographers is Tsetseglen Odgerel, a renowned contortionist from Mongolia. Contortionism, known as "Uran Nugaralt" in Mongolian, has roots dating back to a 12th-century Mongolian folk dance called 'BiyelgeeIt' and became a prominent feature in Buddhist Tsam dances. Odgerel's unique art form is captured in a portrait that is part of 'The North Revisited', a year-long documentary project.
Another intriguing portrait is that of a Moroccan horseman riding along the Atlantic coastline. This image, along with a lonely surfer in Venice Beach, California, and a house sitting in close proximity to the cooling towers of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Coal power station (which was decommissioned in late 2024), are among the diverse and captivating entries shortlisted this year.
The project 'The North Revisited' is a single photographer's unique vision, building on the work of photographer John Bulmer. Its ambition is to capture the evolving and contemporary identity of 'The North'. The project's photographs are on display at Margot McDaid's Margate Gallery and Ramsgate Studio.
The AOP, a not-for-profit trade association and one of the leading organizations for photographers in the commercial photographic industry, aims "to protect, promote and inspire the worth and standing of its members within the commercial photographic industry." The winners and selected finalists will be featured in the official 40th AOP Photography Awards Book.
The competition also includes categories such as Documentary, Environment, Fashion & Beauty, Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Portrait, Spaces, Sport, Still Life & Object, and Project. One category, Ghost Gear, focuses on abandoned waste from the fishing industry that lies derelict on our beaches and pollutes our oceans. A photo featuring fish fingers, crinkle chips, and beans tumbling askew on (and off) a broken plate is part of this category.
The awards competition is open to all AOP accredited and assisting photographer members. The public can view the shortlisted entries on the AOP's website and vote for their favourite images. The winners will be announced at a ceremony later this year.
