World Sports Photography Awards Finalist

World Sports Photography Awards Finalist, Urban & Extreme

Why Photography Awards Matter: More Than Just Recognition 

World Sports Photography Awards Finalist, Urban & Extreme

I was thrilled to be announced as a finalist in the 2025 World Sports Photography Awards for my photograph of GB skateboarder Tommy Calvert in the Urban & Extreme category. A pleasant surprise on a cold winter day, knowing that an image captured in the warm summer sunshine of East London had been shortlisted for such a highly acclaimed global award.

Why Entering Awards Matters for Photographers

It’s an important part of a photographer’s visibility to enter awards. Most of the time, our names aren’t directly connected to the images we create, it’s the brands, products, or athletes in the spotlight, while we stay behind the scenes. But submitting work for awards is a way of stepping forward, putting a name to the image, and making sure our work is seen in its own right. It’s easy to feel like it’s all a bit self-congratulatory, after all, I’m in this to shine a light on the athletes I photograph, not myself. But the reality is, it’s a collaboration. They help me as much as I help them, and when my work gets recognised, it adds to their visibility too. A powerful image of a moment in sport carries weight, and when it reaches a wider audience through awards, it brings more attention to the athletes, the sport, and the stories behind it. Awards also open doors. They connect photographers to industry professionals, brands, and editors who might never have come across our work otherwise. They create credibility, whether it’s with potential clients, sponsors, or the next generation of athletes looking for someone to tell their story.

When I go back to a shoot to edit a series for a competition, I’ll often print out my shortlisted images so I can keep playing around with the story structure. Seeing them laid out physically, rather than on a screen, gives me a different perspective, and it helps me step back from the familiarity of the images. As the creator, it can feel like looking for a key in a forest, you’re so close to the work that you stop seeing it clearly. The emotion of being there, the memory of the shoot, the connection to the subject, it all makes it harder to judge which images still have impact. That’s why I always value immediate feedback from others, especially from people seeing the images for the first time. Their gut reaction helps me understand what jumps out, what resonates, and what gets lost. It’s a process that brings fresh perspective and helps me build the story in the most powerful way.

On a personal level, entering awards pushes me to reflect on my work. It’s a chance to look back at what I’ve created, consider what’s resonated, and think about where I want to go next. That process alone is valuable. So while it might feel a little uncomfortable putting yourself forward, it’s worth it. Because in the end, it’s not just about the win, it’s about showing up, being seen, and keeping the conversation going.

The Story Behind the Image: Tommy Calvert

I had the pleasure of meeting Tommy on a whirlwind trip through London, quite literally! As he was en route to his final Olympic qualifier in Budapest. At just 14 years old, he was a whisker away from competing at Paris 2024. With time on his side, I have no doubt we’ll be seeing him on the biggest stage very soon. Tommy’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a reminder that in sports, the margins between winning and missing out can feel a mile apart. But those hard-fought victories taste even sweeter when they come!

The Story Behind the Image: Tommy Calvert

finalist in the 2025 World Sports Photography Awards

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