Express & Star

More than 30 photojournalists shortlisted for photographer of the year awards

The UK Picture Editors’ Guild awards night will be held on April 1 at Church House in Westminster, central London.

By contributor Ellie Ng, PA
Published
Rishi Sunak announces the general election in the pouring rain outside 10 Downing Street in May
A photo of Rishi Sunak announcing the general election in the pouring rain outside 10 Downing Street in May has been shortlisted in the photographer of the year category at the UK Picture Editors Guild Awards 2025 (Jack Hill from The Times/The Sunday Times/PA)

More than 30 photojournalists have been shortlisted as finalists hoping to be crowned photographer of the year by the UK Picture Editors’ Guild (UKPEG).

A panel of judges considered more than 2,000 photographs to decide which of the images stood out across specific categories, with the photographer who collects the most points set to claim the press photographer of the year title, the UKPEG said.

Picture Editors Guild awards 2025
PA photographer Aaron Chown’s image of the King viewing a fire demonstration during his visit to Australia and Samoa has been shortlisted in the royal photographer of the year category (Aaron Chown/PA)

Selected pictures include ones of former prime minister Rishi Sunak announcing a general election in the rain outside 10 Downing Street, ex-BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards surrounded by cameras outside court, and a portrait of former professional rugby league player Rob Burrow in a specialist wheelchair weeks before his death.

The 11 categories for photographer of the year span a range of topics from sport to arts and entertainment to the royal family, with three photographers shortlisted per category.

Picture Editors Guild awards 2025
PA photograher Danny Lawson’s picture of mine director Shaun McLoughlin at the National Coal Mining Museum for England has been shortlisted in the business photographer of the year category (Danny Lawson/PA)

Judge Jane Sherwood said: “Once again, the standard of photography represented in this year’s guild awards was extremely high.

“It is good to see some great talent coming up through the ranks represented in the student and young photographer categories.

“Never has the importance of a free press been more important in the world, a free press that tells the truth, is independent and fearless.”

Picture Editors Guild awards 2025
PA photographer Jordan Pettitt’s picture of loose Household Cavalry horses Vida and Trojanon bolting through central London has been shortlisted in the photo of the year category (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

The authenticity of the photographs is tested and guaranteed at each stage of the process, according to the UKPEG.

The awards night will be held on April 1 at Church House in Westminster, central London.

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