Since 2018, the Photo North Festival Student Competition has played a significant role in the creative journeys of students, drawing thousands of participants from 85 universities across the UK, the competition is a vibrant mix of emerging talents. This prestigious event is open to all students, providing a unique platform for their artistic endeavours. The dedicated 'Education Day,' held on the festival's Friday, reflects our commitment to nurturing emerging talent. The festival showcases students' work and offers valuable portfolio reviews from Channel 4 Senior Pictures Team, along with advice to guide their career paths. Finalists have the honor of exhibiting alongside established photographers, transforming the festival into a dynamic meeting of photography enthusiasts.
“Being involved with the Alumno Sponsored Photo North Festival Student Competition has been an amazing experience and I’m so grateful to have been chosen as a finalist amongst such amazing entries. Having my work exhibited in Manchester has been an exciting opportunity that I wouldn’t have had if it weren’t for taking a chance and entering the competition! Seeing my images on the wall and having such a positive response to my work has boosted my confidence massively and pushed me to keep creating and putting my work out there!” - Jessica French, Finalist Instagram @_jfrenchphoto
2025 entries now open
‘hope’
image: jennifer charlton - 2024 competition runner up ©From the series A Hidden Community. BA (Hons) Professional photography. Edinburgh College. Instagram: @jennifercharltonphotography. 2024 WINNER MPB Scottish Portrait Award in Photography
2025 COMPETITION BRIEF:
‘hope’
Through our daily lives, news channels and social media feeds, HOPE can too easily be consumed by negativity, anxiety and alienation.
HOPE can raise the spirits, generate pride and self belief. It has the power to heal and to help, to give freedom to dreams. HOPE can bring a positive dimension to our lives.
What is hope and why does it matter? Through our photography competition we encourage you to think about HOPE and what an image of HOPE looks like to you.
The photograph(s) can capture any sign or feeling which to you signifies HOPE. Perhaps someone has inspired you recently or something you’ve seen has affected you positively, in nature, in the garden on the street. You may simply capture something that makes you smile. Your photographs should raise your own spirits and those who view them.
HOPE is about having something to look forward to and believing good things can still happen. It’s about seeing the best qualities in a situation or person and looking forwards.
We cannot control everything in life but we can take photographs, to see HOPE as something important that needs to be documented. HOPE matters and so does your photography and we look forward to seeing your results.
Deadline for entries: midnight Thursday 13th March 2025
GOOD LUCK and we look forward to seeing you at the festival! Pete and Sharon – Founders and Curators
Deadline for entries: Midnight Thursday 13th March 2025
The winner and will be announced on Friday 11th April 2025, which is the festival’s EDUCATION DAY. The programme of events throughout this day are designed to support and stimulate student interest.
Winners and runners up will be exhibited throughout the full three days at Photo North Festival, alongside our prestigious and world renowned artists / photographers.
Many entries will have their work displayed on our Photo North Festival Instagram @photonorthfest
The competition is open to ALL students across the UK. Judges will be mindful of different stages of individual students skill level / year group.
SUPPORTED BY
The award-winning Alumno Group specialises in designing and developing high-quality, modern student accommodation, with a dedicated focus on enhancing student living across the UK.
With 60 years of expertise, CEWE is a pioneer in photo printing, offering over 500 high-quality personalised products. Combining craftsmanship and innovation, CEWE is perfect for creating students' end-of-year show photobooks and more. Another exciting competition is the CEWE Student Photography Award! Details here
Upgrade your photography gear for less with MPB!
Trusted by thousands and recommended by the Photo North team, MPB offers reliable, used camera kits with a warranty for peace of mind. Students get exclusive discounts—click the link and grab your gear today!
ROADSHOWS
ROADSHOWS
Calling all creative students! The Photo North Roadshow is touring universities across the UK to inspire, connect, and empower the next generation of talent. Join award-winning photojournalist and Photo North director Peter Dench for invaluable industry insights, career-launching competitions, and vital tips for showcasing your work. These engaging sessions provide students an insider's view into the world of photography—from curating exhibitions to breaking into creative industries. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, enhance your portfolio, and gain the skills to thrive in the creative world. To book one of our roadshows contact your course leader. Roadshow dates here
AMBASSADORS FOR THE STUDENT COMPETITION
Our ambassadors for the student competition are Amyleigh, Megan and Evie, recent graduates with BA Hons in Photography: Editorial and Advertising. All are on hand to review and advise students should you need any support.
They can be reached via:
Amyleigh Fowles or Insta @amyleigh_fowles
Megan Bendall or Insta @meganthebendall
Evie Scarborough or Insta @evie.scarborough
Evie is also open to having a zoom call, should any of you need help talking through projects.
Photojournalist and Photo North Director, Peter Dench, imparts his wisdom and ‘top tips’ to aspiring photographers.former finalists
“Being a part of the Alumno Sponsored Photo North Festival Student Competition has been a welcome experience. It has allowed me to work towards a set brief with a unique approach, thus fostering creativity. It has also allowed me to explore subject areas outside of my comfort zone, creating some of my strongest work. I would encourage all students to participate in the years to come, pushing themselves creatively and producing inspiring work.”
www.zhanfilonovphoto.co.uk Instagram @zhanfilonovphoto
— Zhan Filonov
“Being a part of this competition pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to take on a theme in a way that I may not have attempted due to having little confidence in myself, however, I am so glad that I did as I have produced a new body of work that I love and am proud of. It is also such an honour to know that my photos were also exhibited at the same event as such amazing work by other extremely talented photographers and artists. I am really looking forward to the future regarding my photography work and Photo North has given me the push and platform to be able to take my work further”.
Instagram @evie.scarborough
— evie scarborough
“Taking part in the Alumno sponsored Photo North Festival student competition (‘Identity’) for me has been such an invaluable experience. As a mature student trying to emerge into the creative industries from a personal experience is a continual process. The fact my practice has been considered and rated by professionals involved with Photo North Festival may open up future opportunities to potentially springboard my career. The full event with guest speakers, photobook stalls, the student and professional exhibitions has such a positive impact that is engaging and a great way to network to aid the next generation of photographers.”
www.sofiaconti.photography Instagram @sofiaconti.photography
— sofia conti
about our sponsors
Since 2006, Alumno has specialised in developing student accommodations across the UK, emphasising local context, history, and community integration. Their schemes serve as more than just living spaces for students, acting as connectors to the surrounding towns and cities through the incorporation of public art and creative concepts. Alumno collaborates with local artists and creative entities, often sourcing new graduate work to infuse a unique atmosphere into their buildings. Committed to fostering creativity, they sponsored the Photo North Festival photography competitions, promoting student engagement and inspiration. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Alumno continues its support, sponsoring the upcoming competition in Leeds and eagerly anticipating the display of entrants' work within their new student accommodation at Whitelock Street. www.alumnogroup.com
“To be included in the Alumno sponsored competitionPhoto alongside so many incredibly talented photographers was a total honour. It’s the first time my work has been exhibited outside of university. I was surprised to be selected as a finalist and I’m so thankful for the opportunity, it made me feel as though my work has relevance, and that it can touch people. It’s encouraged me to come out of my shell and try to get my work out there more” - Luke Sumner www.lukesumner.co.uk Instagram @luksumner
2024 WINNER - DAVID SHAW
For the series ‘Caeadda’ exploring the community of hill farmers in the Dyfi Valley area of Wales.
MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography - Online / Part Time - London College of Communication - Year one of two.
RUNNERS UP -
JENNIFER CHARLTON for the series ‘A Hidden Community’ focusing on stigmatisation of Mental Health Issues.
BA (Hons) Professional Photography - Final Year - Edinburgh College
NICHOLAS TEO for the series ‘Tapestry’ Tapestry explores stories of the disabled community and sustainable patchwork garment designers.
BA (Hons) Commercial Photography - Arts University Bournemouth - 3rd Year
___
2023 WINNER Jasmine Ashley-Locke ‘When Sea Becomes Sky’. RUNNER UP Lewis Baillie ‘Thoughts From Under The Floorboards’.
2022 WINNER Zhan Filonov. RUNNERS UP Jessica French. Sofia Conti. Lydia Perez Lopez. Luke Sumner. Jade Fisher.
2020 WINNER Evie Scarborough. RUNNERS UP Harriet Massey. Edward Paxton. Ellie Bell.
2019 WINNER Harry Renton. RUNNER UP Evie Scarborough.
2018 WINNER Paul Cliffe. RUNNER UP Ollie Howes.