There’s nonetheless time – and nonetheless each cause – to submit your work to the 2025 Abbey Street Music Images Awards earlier than entries shut on July 28, 2025.
Now in its fourth yr, the MPAs stay the one world awards devoted solely to music images, celebrating image-makers of all expertise ranges. This yr’s competitors is larger than ever, with eight open classes, together with two new additions: Portrait and Festivals. From iconic dwell moments to intimate inventive processes, there is a class that matches your work, and it is free to enter.
The MPAs are extra than simply awards. You get actual alternatives: career-building publicity, tailor-made mentorships, and business recognition. By getting into, your work can be seen by a world-class judging panel that features Rankin, Nile Rodgers, Djo/Joe Keery, and Janette Beckman – to call a number of. And for those who’re below this yr’s winners, your work can be exhibited at Outernet London.
Becoming a member of the panel this yr is photographer and artistic director Tom Pallant. He’s a two-time MPA winner (2023 and 2024) and now returns as a choose. I had the possibility to speak to Tom about what makes a standout picture, how the MPAs helped form his profession, and why now’s the time to share your imagery.
To submit your work, go to mpa.photograph.
Interview
After profitable the awards twice, how does it really feel to be on the opposite aspect this time round?
It is undoubtedly going to be much less nerve-wracking this yr! I have been actually fortunate to win twice now, which is an unbelievable honour. It is a actually thrilling alternative to be concerned otherwise this yr. I am actually wanting ahead to seeing the entries and attending to expertise it from the opposite aspect.
What did these wins imply to you creatively and professionally? Did they open doorways for you?
Completely. Probably the greatest issues concerning the MPAs is that, past the superb awards evening, it hosts panels, occasions, and portfolio evaluations. I took half in one of many MPA Late classes, which included a panel and a portfolio assessment with a small group of rising photographers. It was actually priceless. It gave me an opportunity to replicate alone journey and to consider what I’d have wished to listen to 5 – 6 years in the past.
The group at Abbey Street is at all times reaching out, asking if I might prefer to be concerned in interviews like this, workshops, or occasions. They do an ideal job of constructing a group that extends properly past the awards themselves.
Is there a selected class you are wanting ahead to judging?
The Competition class – particularly as a result of it is new. I’ve finished lots of work in that house, and festivals are such a wealthy setting for images. Whether or not it is the environment, the followers, the group, or only a wild dwell shot – there’s a lot selection. You additionally get a broad combine of individuals, in comparison with a single headline present. I believe the entries in that class this yr can be superb.
Additionally, the Undiscovered class is such an necessary one. It is for creatives juggling different jobs or unable to shoot full-time. This class actually shines a highlight on individuals who’ve been grinding behind the scenes, doing their factor. If that is you, go for it!
Do you’ve got any ideas for submitting work? For instance, what makes a photograph stand out to you?
For me, it is all about whether or not the pictures make you are feeling one thing – if it places you there. I mentioned this concerning the photograph I gained with in my first yr: “Should you can virtually hear or odor the second within the picture, you are in all probability doing one thing proper.” If a photograph can immediately transport you into the scene – seize the vitality or vibe – that is what at all times catches my eye.
What would you say to somebody sitting on a tough drive filled with photos however uncertain whether or not they’re ‘ok’ to submit?
I believe as creatives, we’re typically our personal worst critics. All of us second-guess our work. However there’s an actual worth in sharing your photos, even those you are uncertain about. Generally, those you do not charge personally join with another person. So share your photos, even when they are not technically ‘excellent’. That is typically the place the magic is. I do not at all times observe the ‘proper’ technical strategies, however in that, I’ve discovered a mode and rhythm that works for me. Do not be afraid to peel again the layers of what you have acquired – you may discover one thing unbelievable you did not even realise was there.
Why ought to creatives enter the Abbey Street Music Images Awards?
There’s a lot to achieve. The awards evening itself is superb. Being in a room with inspiring photographers and connecting with others who’re nonetheless discovering their means is actually particular. Outdoors of the awards, the Abbey Street group does a unbelievable job with occasions, talks, panels – there’s even a listing of photographers on the MPA web site; I’ve used that myself when constructing groups. It is an ideal useful resource. Coming into offers you an opportunity to replicate in your work – determine what you need to present, and why. It is a priceless train.
Professional Recommendation
What recommendation would you give to creatives attempting to construct entry or achieve expertise in music images?
It isn’t simple – particularly with so many venues closing. Once I was beginning, I would just hit up native bands. Bands at all times need photographs, particularly now with social media and DIY promo being so necessary. I shot for a number of small on-line magazines to get passes and shoot reveals. It is all about these child steps. Pinging out emails each week, displaying up, doing the work – even when it is unpaid to start out with. That work ethic is all the pieces if you’re attempting to interrupt in.
There’s at all times that ongoing debate – gear vs. intuition, guidelines vs. vibes. What’s your tackle that?
Completely. That complete ‘greatest digital camera is the one you’ve got on you’ cliche? It is true. I shoot in photograph pits on a regular basis, subsequent to folks with three our bodies and lenses hanging off them. In the meantime, I am simply utilizing one digital camera physique and swapping my lens. For video, I’ve acquired a second physique, however for stills, it is simply the one. That type of limitation really offers me vitality – it makes me extra current. Up till 2023, I used to be nonetheless utilizing a £20 guide wide-angle lens made for crop sensors on a full-frame digital camera. And I used to be working with artists promoting out arenas.
So yeah, gear helps – nevertheless it’s actually not all the pieces. Should you can seize the vibe, that is what issues most.
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