The Master Photographers Association has launched the new style 2011 Master Photography Awards. This year sees a change in submission method, plus 8 new, or updated, categories, and the brand new title of ‘International Master Photographer of the Year’. The Master Photography Awards are the most prestigious awards for photography in the UK, and are open to all qualified members of the Association.

Master Photographers Association Press Release

MPA launches new style Master Photography Awards

The Master Photographers Association (MPA) has announced details of its 2011 Master Photography Awards which will see photographers do battle for the brand new title of ‘International Master Photographer of the Year’. The main sponsor is Risk Alliance insurance.

This year sees a change in submission method which makes it quicker, easier and cheaper for photographers to enter their images into the Awards. Initially photographers submit a high resolution digital file via the Awards website (www.masterphotographyawards.co.uk) - this action automatically creates a unique reference number. A print is then submitted in the usual way, carrying the reference number on the reverse.

This system will mean less admin for the MPA team and this has been reflected in a reduced submission fee - down from £8.50 to just £5.00 per entry this year.

Also new for this year are 8 new, or updated, categories: Bridal Wedding party, Wedding Photojournalism, Wedding Album, Sport/Social/Equestrian/Events, Scientific/Technical, Open Licentiate, Open Associate and an invitation-only Fellows Exhibition.

The 2011 Awards will see the re-introduction of the Best Print award (which will be similar to the former Master Photographer of the Year title). The best print will be judged on the basis of un-mounted prints in the 10 x 8 to 10 x 12 inch size range. There are no longer any special rules about the minimum image area on the print, instead the judges will use their own discretion to score the entry. Letterbox or postage stamp images floating on empty ‘mount’ space will now fight it out against full bleeds. The un-mounted entry prints can be on any flexible base including art papers and photo papers, and lamination is allowed.

The Awards are the most prestigious awards for photography in the UK, and are open to all qualified members of the Association. There are also several Open categories that are available to professional photographers anywhere in the world - not just members of the MPA.

The Awards attract a wide range of styles across the full spectrum of professional image making. Categories include wedding, portrait, landscape, scientific and commercial and many others.

“Everyone at MPA is really excited by the changes we’ve instigated for the 2011 Awards, they are now streamlined, simplified and digitally integrated,” says Colin Buck, MPA Chief Executive. “The standard of submissions keeps on improving year-on-year and I can’t wait to see what 2011 brings us.”

The judging panel is again headed by Henk Van Kooten FMPA (the current MPA President), and the judges will evaluate each entry and award points based on impact, composition, colour management and workmanship. Henk made this comment: “The Master Photography Awards are a showcase of everything that is great about today’s professional photography - creativity, technical brilliance and a willingness to push the boundaries.”

The winners will be presented with their trophies at the Awards ceremony, to be held at the Gateshead Hilton in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne on Sunday 9 October. Tickets for this glittering event will be available soon. 

All well as Risk Alliance being the main sponsor, the Awards are supported by a number of other major names within the industry plus two of the leading bridal magazines. For further information on the Awards, visit www.masterphotographyawards.co.uk or email [email protected] to find out how the MPA can help your business, go to www.thempa.com or call 01325 356 555.

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