Picture Editors' Guild launches new press photography contest

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A new contest has been launched to recognise the work of press photographers, with a category dedicated to 'citizen' photojournalists.

The UK Picture Editors' Guild Awards were introduced to offer a nationwide challenge for top photographers.

Guild chairman Alan Sparrow says the contest is the first of its kind, judged and organised as it is solely by working picture editors. He hopes it will become a regular event.

"Our talented and often unacknowledged press photographers deserve the opportunity to challenge their colleagues for recognition as being the best in their field," he told Journalism.co.uk.

"The Guild believes it is uniquely placed to provide the organisation and media industry insight to establish an exciting new contest, thanks to the inspired backing of our sponsors SABMiller BT, Newscast and Bloomberg. Creative skill and journalistic expertise of individuals will be recognised as a result. It is an exciting development which the Guild is determined to make an annual event."

Applications for the awards can be made online , with eight categories open to entries:

1. Sports Photographer of the Year
2. Royal Photographer of the Year
3. Sports Photographer of the Year
4. Celebrity Photographer of the Year
5. Bloomberg Business Photographer of the Year
6. Newscast Young Photographer of the Year
7. Photo essay (minimum 10 pictures, maximum 20)
8. BT Citizen Photographer of the Year

Each winner will receive £500 and a trophy.

There will also be an overall SABMiller Photographer of the Year, who will be awarded £1,000 and a trophy.

Entries can be submitted up until 31 July, and must only include photographs taken between 16 July 2009 and 16 July 2010.

Winners will be announced at a gala evening presentation on 21 September at the Honourable Artillery Company headquarters in London.