Since 2018, the Photo North Festival Student Competition has played a significant role in the creative journeys of students, drawing thousands of participants from 85 universities across the UK, the competition is a vibrant mix of emerging talents. This prestigious event is open to all students, providing a unique platform for their artistic endeavours. The dedicated 'Education Day,' held on the festival's Friday, reflects our commitment to nurturing emerging talent. The festival showcases students' work and offers valuable portfolio reviews from Channel 4 Senior Pictures Team, along with advice to guide their career paths. Finalists have the honor of exhibiting alongside established photographers, transforming the festival into a dynamic meeting of photography enthusiasts.
Judging Panel Members:
Channel 4 Senior Pictures Team. Impressions Gallery. The Royal Photographic Society. Carolyn Mendelsohn and the Photo North curators.
”Winning the Student Competition at Photo North Festival has given me a massive boost to my confidence and motivation. Seeing my work up on display a meter or two across from Martin Parr's work was really special for me, but also being on display with the other finalists all of such a high standard was amazing too. At the festival I got to meet photographers and editors whose work I had been following, and since the festival I have started my mentorship with Carolyn Mendelsohn, which is a great opportunity for me. Thanks to the Photo North Team and Alumno for all this support!” - David Shaw, Winner. Instagram @davidjshawphoto
2026 entries now open
‘joy’
2025 Winner. Ritchie Elder. From the series ‘Dumbiedykes’. BA (Hons) Professional Photography, Edinburgh College. Instagram: @ritchie_creative
2026 COMPETITION BRIEF:
‘JOY’
In a world that often feels uncertain, JOY can be a powerful act of defiance.
JOY is contagious. It lifts spirits, connects people and reminds us that life is still full of light. It can be loud and exhilarating or quiet and gentle. JOY can be found in a shared laugh, a moment of peace, a colourful burst of nature, or in the unexpected delight of everyday life.
Through this year’s student photography competition, we invite you to reflect on JOY - what it means to you, and how you experience or witness it.
What does JOY look like in a photograph? It might be the expression on someone’s face, the rhythm of movement, a reunion, a celebration, or a quiet moment of calm. Maybe it’s found in colour, texture, sunlight, or simply in being seen.
We’re not looking for perfection, we’re looking for feeling. Your photograph(s) should express something that makes you smile, lifts the mood, or connects with something real. JOY is not frivolous—it’s essential. It can heal, inspire and bring us back to ourselves.
Take this opportunity to celebrate the things that spark joy in you. and share them with others. JOY matters, and so does your photography. We can’t wait to see what you find.
Deadline for entries: Midnight 15TH FEBRUARY 2026.
GOOD LUCK and we look forward to seeing you in Leeds!
Pete and Sharon – Founders and Curators
Deadline for entries: Midnight FRIDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2026
The winner and will be announced on Friday 13th March 2026, which is the festival’s EDUCATION DAY. The programme of events throughout this day are designed to support and stimulate student interest.
Winners and runners up will be exhibited throughout the full three days at Photo North Festival, alongside our prestigious and world renowned artists / photographers.
Many entries will have their work displayed on our Photo North Festival Instagram @photonorthfest
The competition is open to ALL students across the UK. Judges will be mindful of different stages of individual students skill level / year group.
SUPPORTED BY
PRIZES TBC
WINNER: Fisheye No2 Camera with a roll of LomoChrome Purple 35mm film here
WINNER: INSTAX mini 99 + film here
RUNNERS UP: Printers
INCLUDING Mentorships from:
Anne McNeil, Director of Impressions Gallery.
Carolyn Mendelsohn, Award-Winning Photographer.
Simon Hill, President, The Royal Photographic Society.
former finalists
“Being a part of the Alumno Sponsored Photo North Festival Student Competition has been a welcome experience. It has allowed me to work towards a set brief with a unique approach, thus fostering creativity. It has also allowed me to explore subject areas outside of my comfort zone, creating some of my strongest work. I would encourage all students to participate in the years to come, pushing themselves creatively and producing inspiring work.”
www.zhanfilonovphoto.co.uk Instagram @zhanfilonovphoto
— Zhan Filonov
“Being a part of this competition pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to take on a theme in a way that I may not have attempted due to having little confidence in myself, however, I am so glad that I did as I have produced a new body of work that I love and am proud of. It is also such an honour to know that my photos were also exhibited at the same event as such amazing work by other extremely talented photographers and artists. I am really looking forward to the future regarding my photography work and Photo North has given me the push and platform to be able to take my work further”.
Instagram @evie.scarborough
— evie scarborough
“Taking part in the Alumno sponsored Photo North Festival student competition (‘Identity’) for me has been such an invaluable experience. As a mature student trying to emerge into the creative industries from a personal experience is a continual process. The fact my practice has been considered and rated by professionals involved with Photo North Festival may open up future opportunities to potentially springboard my career. The full event with guest speakers, photobook stalls, the student and professional exhibitions has such a positive impact that is engaging and a great way to network to aid the next generation of photographers.”
www.sofiaconti.photography Instagram @sofiaconti.photography
— sofia conti
about our sponsors
Since 2006, Alumno has specialised in developing student accommodations across the UK, emphasising local context, history, and community integration. Their schemes serve as more than just living spaces for students, acting as connectors to the surrounding towns and cities through the incorporation of public art and creative concepts. Alumno collaborates with local artists and creative entities, often sourcing new graduate work to infuse a unique atmosphere into their buildings. Committed to fostering creativity, they sponsored the Photo North Festival photography competitions, promoting student engagement and inspiration. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Alumno continues its support, sponsoring the upcoming competition in Leeds and eagerly anticipating the display of entrants' work within their new student accommodation at Whitelock Street. www.alumnogroup.com
“To be included in the Alumno sponsored competitionPhoto alongside so many incredibly talented photographers was a total honour. It’s the first time my work has been exhibited outside of university. I was surprised to be selected as a finalist and I’m so thankful for the opportunity, it made me feel as though my work has relevance, and that it can touch people. It’s encouraged me to come out of my shell and try to get my work out there more” - Luke Sumner www.lukesumner.co.uk Instagram @luksumner
AMBASSADORS FOR THE STUDENT COMPETITION
Our ambassadors for the student competition are Amyleigh, Megan and Evie, recent graduates with BA Hons in Photography: Editorial and Advertising. All are on hand to review and advise students should you need any support.
They can be reached via:
Amyleigh Fowles or Insta @amyleigh_fowles
Megan Bendall or Insta @meganthebendall
Evie Scarborough or Insta @evie.scarborough
Evie is also open to having a zoom call, should any of you need help talking through projects.
Photojournalist and Photo North Director, Peter Dench, imparts his wisdom and ‘top tips’ to aspiring photographers.2025 Winner
Ritchie Elder – Dumbiedykes
Edinburgh College (accredited by Kingston University)
BA (Hons) Professional Photography
Instagram: @ritchie_creative
Runners-up
Debs Parr – Everything But The Game
University of Central Lancashire
BA (Hons) Photography
Instagram: @debsparrphotographer
Rob Kirman – Pete
Wrexham University (formerly Glyndwr University)
Master’s Degree in Photography
Instagram: @robkirman
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2024 WINNER - DAVID SHAW - For the series ‘Caeadda’ exploring the community of hill farmers in the Dyfi Valley area of Wales. MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography - Online / Part Time - London College of Communication - Year one of two. RUNNERS UP - JENNIFER CHARLTON for the series ‘A Hidden Community’ focusing on stigmatisation of Mental Health Issues. BA (Hons) Professional Photography - Final Year - Edinburgh College, and NICHOLAS TEO for the series ‘Tapestry’ Tapestry explores stories of the disabled community and sustainable patchwork garment designers. BA (Hons) Commercial Photography - Arts University Bournemouth - 3rd Year
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2023 WINNER Jasmine Ashley-Locke ‘When Sea Becomes Sky’. RUNNER UP Lewis Baillie ‘Thoughts From Under The Floorboards’.
2022 WINNER Zhan Filonov. RUNNERS UP Jessica French. Sofia Conti. Lydia Perez Lopez. Luke Sumner. Jade Fisher.
2020 WINNER Evie Scarborough. RUNNERS UP Harriet Massey. Edward Paxton. Ellie Bell.
2019 WINNER Harry Renton. RUNNER UP Evie Scarborough.
2018 WINNER Paul Cliffe. RUNNER UP Ollie Howes.