Sports Category AOP Award Finalist, a Full Circle moment

A Full-Circle Moment: From Aspiring Student to AOP Finalist

Sports Category AOP Award Finalist | Reflecting on My Journey

When I was at university, I dreamed of being part of the Association of Photographers (AOP). It wasn’t just an ambition, it was a goal that felt like a benchmark for success. I’d visit the AOP gallery on Leonard Street in London, studying the work of professional photographers, wondering where I might fit in and who I could assist once I graduated. Fast-forward 25 years, and here I am, a finalist in the 39th AOP Awards in the sports category. Overjoyed doesn’t even begin to describe it. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the journey of being a photographer is never truly complete. I used to think that once I achieved a particular milestone, I’d have “made it.” The reality? It’s a constant evolution. It’s harder than I ever imagined to make a living doing what I love, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Why This Recognition Means So Much

These awards are hugely competitive, and deep down, I knew I was unlikely to win, not because my work wasn’t strong enough, but because the scale and budget behind my submission were nothing compared to some of my fellow finalists. And yet, the fact that my image was the only representation of competitive women’s sport in the awards, captured by one of only two female photographers in the category, made this moment even more significant. And the sport? Women’s rugby. A sport that has been the driving force behind much of my work, one that embodies everything I stand for: strength, determination, and breaking barriers.

The Value of the AOP & Championing Women in Photography

I’ve been a member of the AOP for over a decade, and it’s been an invaluable resource, not just creatively, but in the business of photography. Because the reality is, photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about understanding contracts, licensing, copyright, and all the behind-the-scenes logistics that come with running a creative business. My passion for championing women in photography has also led me to become part of f22, the AOP’s dedicated group for female and female-identifying photographers. As part of the working group, I help organise events, online discussions, and industry talks, covering everything from writing treatments and securing an agent to finance and career longevity. We also host focus sessions, spotlighting the journeys of inspiring female photographers, sharing real stories about what it takes to carve out a career in this industry. Because let’s be honest—no one ever really tells you how hard this profession is.

One of the things I’m particularly passionate about is mentoring and supporting female photographers at the start of their careers. Around every six weeks, I take time to speak with a photographer who is either still studying or recently graduated. We talk about their hopes, ambitions, and the realities of making a career in photography, not to discourage, but to prepare and empower. When I graduated with a first-class degree, I thought I was set. I assumed that qualification alone would launch my career. But in reality, my journey had only just begun. Now, 25 years later, I still feel like I’m working towards my goals, but I’ve learned to embrace the journey rather than just focusing on the destination. That’s also the advice I pass on to young photographers. Alongside critiquing their work and helping them develop projects, I always encourage them to keep a vision board, experiment with different creative approaches, and build a versatile skillset. The ability to integrate multiple skills into your photography can make all the difference when it comes to sustaining a career.

Behind the Award Images: Battle of the Amazons

Photography is storytelling, and this particular edit “Battle of the Amazons” was originally part of an editorial story for Rugby Journal, shot in March 2024. The series edit captures the grit, resilience, and unity of grassroots women’s rugby. Inspired by Baroque painter Rubens’ “Battle of the Amazons”, I wanted to reflect the seething mass of bodies, the relentless movement, and the raw physicality of the sport. The mud, the determination, the unbreakable spirit, these women are warriors in every sense of the word. But what stood out most was the authenticity of these athletes. There’s no pressure to conform to a conventional idea of femininity. Instead, there’s an unapologetic power in their presence, a reminder that sport is for every body, every shape, every size. The community built both on and off the pitch speaks of belonging, support, and strength, and that’s what I hoped to capture. To have this image shortlisted in the 39th AOP Awards isn’t just a personal achievement. It’s an acknowledgment of women’s sport in a space where visibility still has a long way to go.
And that, more than anything, is why this recognition matters.

39th AOP Photography Award Finalist

A Finalist for Women’s Sport, Not Just for Myself

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