Association of Photographers Awards 2020

The Association of Photographers (AOP) is the leading organisation for those working in the creative image-making industry. Its members include professional photographers, assistants, students, photography courses and colleges, companies, affiliated businesses and agents. Established in 1968 by a group of photographers who came together to address issues affecting them, the AOP has become one of the most highly regarded photographic bodies in the sector, lobbying on behalf of photographers’ rights, and instrumental in obtaining changes in the Copyrights Act introduced in the 1980s, providing copyright protection to photographers as creators.

Each year the AOP Awards celebrates the best in established and emerging photography talent, making the annual event one of the leading events in the creative calendar. Members of the AOP are eligible for the Photography categories, whereas non-members are eligible for the Open Categories.

As part of the changing aspect of photography, moving images are for the first time allowed in each category, rather than being singled out for their own award. Also new for 2020 is the Emerging Talent Award – this award is a response to commissioners looking for new talent and it provides a platform allowing exposure to the creative industries. As this is a separate category it shines a light on the breadth of new talent and helps create a network of photographers and commissioners alike.