The Portrait of Britain prize, hosted by the British Journal of Photography, has been a transformative milestone in my career as a portrait photographer. Winning this prestigious award four times and being shortlisted twice has significantly elevated my profile in the industry, opening doors to new opportunities and bringing my work to a wider audience.

Why Enter the Portrait of Britain?

Get Exhibited Nationwide The Portrait of Britain is the UK's biggest annual photography exhibition, known for its inclusivity and wide reach. Each year, 100 winning images are displayed across the country in a month-long digital screen display in partnership with JCDecaux. This exposure is unparalleled, providing photographers with the chance to have their work seen by millions of people in various public spaces.

Get Published Alongside the exhibition, 200 shortlisted portraits are published in the dedicated Portrait of Britain book, printed in collaboration with Bluecoat Press. This book is not only a beautiful keepsake but also an important platform for photographers to have their work permanently documented and accessible to a global audience.

Get Judged by Industry Leaders The competition is judged by some of the most respected figures in the photography industry. Past judges have included renowned photographer Nadav Kander, Russ O’Connell (Picture Editor at The Sunday Times Magazine), photographer and curator Ronan McKenzie, and Tim Clark (editor-in-chief at 1000 Words magazine). Having your work evaluated by such esteemed professionals is a significant endorsement of your talent.

Get Featured in International Press Winning or being shortlisted for the Portrait of Britain also brings considerable media attention. Coverage extends beyond 1854.photography to international outlets like the BBC, The Guardian, The Independent, Sky News, Aesthetica, and It’s Nice That, among others. This level of publicity can be career-defining, attracting new clients and projects.

My Journey with the Portrait of Britain

Shortlisted Portrait of Britain 2022 In 2022, my portrait of Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE was shortlisted. Sarah Clarke, the first woman to hold the office in its more than 650-year history, was an inspiring subject. Capturing her as part of my Britannia project, the portrait stood out among 13,000 entries, earning a place in the nationwide exhibition and the Portrait of Britain book.

Shortlisted Portrait of Britain 2021 The previous year, I had two portraits shortlisted: Serjeant at Arms Ugbana Oyet and British Army Household Cavalry Trooper Ainuson. These images, part of my ongoing Britannia project, highlighted the roles of these significant figures within the UK's parliamentary and military institutions.

Winner of the Portrait of Britain 2020 In 2020, my portrait of Lance Corporal Siwale from the Welsh Guards was selected as a winner. His compelling story of exemplary leadership and service in Afghanistan was a powerful testament to the dedication of British soldiers.

Winner of the Portrait of Britain 2019 My 2019 winning portrait featured Lieutenant Sarah Batts, the first female combat officer and tank commander in British history. Her groundbreaking achievements were a perfect representation of the modern British Army's diversity and progressiveness.

Winner of the Portrait of Britain 2018 In 2018, Warrant Officer Class 2 Deborah Penny, the first transgender soldier to serve on the front line, was the subject of my winning portrait. Her courage and resilience were captured in a powerful image that resonated deeply with the public.

Winner of the Portrait of Britain 2017 My journey with the Portrait of Britain began in 2017 with Captain Anani-Isaac of The Royal Lancers. This portrait, part of my Soldiery project, marked the start of a series that would see me capture the essence of the modern British Army over several years.

The Impact on My Career

Winning and being shortlisted for the Portrait of Britain has been instrumental in establishing my reputation as a portrait photographer. The recognition has led to numerous commissions, including high-profile projects and exhibitions. It has also allowed me to push the boundaries of my work, experimenting with new styles and subjects.

The exposure and credibility gained from the Portrait of Britain have been invaluable. It's a platform that not only celebrates the diversity and individuality of modern Britain but also propels photographers' careers to new heights. For anyone considering entering, the rewards go far beyond the prize itself, offering an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your work on a national stage.