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Don’t miss your chance to shine at the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025, the only global contest dedicated to the art of music photography. Submissions close on July 28, 2025, with winners celebrated at an official ceremony on October 2 at Abbey Road Studios. All photographers aged 18+ can enter for free, competing for an exclusive MPA trophy, one-to-one mentorships from industry legends, and a coveted takeover on the Outernet London screens.
With eight categories—from the brand-new Portrait and Festivals themes to Music Moment of the Year sponsored by Outernet, Emerging Photographer of the Year backed by adidas, and guest Club Culture judging—you’ll find your niche. This free entry awards program ranks among Deartline’s curated best photography challenges of 2025, bringing music photographers into the global spotlight.
Whether you capture the raw energy of a festival crowd or the intimacy of a backstage portrait, winners gain global exposure: a London exhibition takeover, virtual mentoring with Sacha Lecca and Simon Wheatley, a personalized session with head judge Rankin, plus ongoing promotion across Abbey Road’s networks. For music-photography storytellers, this awards program is a gateway to industry recognition and one of the most prominent free to enter photo competitions.
The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025 Prizes
All winners receive a unique MPA trophy plus tailored prizes to elevate their craft:
- MPA Trophy: Custom-designed award for each category winner
- Mentorship with Sacha Lecca: Virtual session with Rolling Stone’s Deputy Photo Editor
- Mentorship with Simon Wheatley: Virtual deep dive into underground music scenes
- Head Judge Session: One-to-one guidance from Rankin
- Outernet London Takeover: One-week “Pop Two” exhibition on central London’s screens
- Official Awards Ceremony: Presentation at Abbey Road Studios, October 2, 2025
Other Free Contests
The Categories of the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025
The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025 features a range of open and invited categories designed to celebrate the full spectrum of music photography. The categories open for public submission are:
- Portrait (new for 2025)
- Festivals (new for 2025)
- Music Moment of the Year
- Emerging Photographer of the Year
- Making Music
- Underground Scenes
- Live Music
- Club Culture (guest category)
Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Mark your calendars for the prestigious Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025:
Deadline: Sunday, July 28, 2025
Entry Fee: Free
How to Enter:
Visit the competition page, select your category, and upload up to three images per entry (JPEG, max 5 MB each). Provide a title and caption for each photo, complete the online form, and submit—all at no cost before the July 28 deadline.
About the Jury
Judging Panel
- Rankin (Head Judge) – British photographer, publisher, and film director
- Raven B. Varona – US photographer (Adele)
- Pooneh Ghana – Photographer/videographer (Olivia Rodrigo, Beck, The Strokes)
- Ashley Verse – Photographer (Stormzy, Tom Grennan)
- Sam Rockman – Photographer/visual artist (Limp Bizkit)
- David Friend – Vanity Fair’s Editor of Creative Development
- Jordan Rakei – Abbey Road’s first Artist in Residence
- Beth Ditto – Gossip frontwoman and fashion icon
- Jason Williamson – Sleaford Mods’ singer-songwriter
- Moses Boyd – Award-winning drummer/producer
- Bimini – Drag queen and cultural icon
- Simon Wheatley – Guest judge, acclaimed UK music photographer
Shortlisting Panel
- Sacha Lecca – Deputy Photo Editor, Rolling Stone
- Phoebe Fox – Photographer/videographer
- Charlotte Patmore – Photographer, artist, and filmmaker
- Katy Cummings – Music photographer (ELLE UK & NME)
- Anthony Pham – Winner, Undiscovered Photographer of the Year 2023
Why Enter the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025?
As part of Deartline’s curated list of photography competitions and one of the most engaging free photo contests, this free-to-enter music photography awards offers unmatched visibility: a high-profile ceremony at Abbey Road Studios, a week-long London exhibition takeover, plus virtual mentorships that provide real industry insight. Winners join a global network of celebrated music photographers and gain a prestigious accolade that resonates across press, social media, and professional portfolios.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
- Entrants must be aged 18 or older.
- Submit up to three JPEG images (max 5 MB each) per entry.
- Unlimited entries across categories; free to enter.
- Winners announced at Abbey Road ceremony on October 2, 2025.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
