Lights. Camera. Action. Music photographers - it’s time to take the stage. Announcing the Abbey Road Studios Music Photography Awards 2023!
The MPAs are back for a second consecutive year, shining a light on the ultimate music images and photographers of ’22 in the eyes of an esteemed panel led by Rankin, alongside Cat Burns, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Vicky Grout, Karen Binns, Eric Johnson, Matthew Josephs and Nakyung Han.
The MPAs honour the images from 2022 that capture the magic of live music, the creative process and the diverse music scenes from across the world.
These awards recognise photographers both established and undiscovered – with open-entry categories as well as awards chosen by a judging panel made up of artists, stylists, photographers and influential names in the global creative community.
Countless legends took their first steps at Abbey Road. It’s a spirit that continues today with sessions designed to inspire the next generation of artists. We want to find and recognise the emerging, unsung talent that exists in music photography, to shine a light on the best undiscovered photographers of all backgrounds forging a path in music photography. Do you have a body of work that is waiting to be discovered?
Music Moment of The Year Award (Category supported by Outernet)
Defining the undefinable. This category celebrates THE image that defined music in 2022. THE picture that makes you stop. Makes you think. Makes you feel. A visual statement of music in 2022. We look through the lens to celebrate the photograph that captured a moment in time, the mood, the spirit of the year. An image that could be remembered for generations to come.
Live Music Award (Category supported by Philips Ambilight TV)
Did you take the picture that defined live music in 2022? Then take a shot at the Live Music Award. From the undeniable electricity of a small venue and the euphoria of a returning festival to the intimate connection between artist and audience, these are the photographs that show us what live music means to you.
In The Studio Award Exploring the process of recording music in the studio. The intersection where two creative processes combine: music creation and the art of photography. The artist behind the lens and the artist in front of the lens. This category is open to photographs showcasing musicians at work in the studio. Images that capture the magic that happens when musicians come together to write, experiment or record.
Underground Music Scenes Award
Take a shot that champions music subculture in 2022? Then take a shot at the Underground Music Scenes Award. Music goes beyond a song or the artists that perform it. It’s a catalyst for the communities who embody its spirit in venues and dancefloors across the globe. This category shines a spotlight on the importance of grassroots movements by celebrating photographers documenting underground music scenes around the world.
FOUR INVITED CATEGORIES
Portrait Award
A photograph that captures the spirit, essence, and personality of the artist. Stylised, conceptual, or candid, it’s how the artist represents their work through visual imagery.
Editorial Award
Editorial photography draws the viewer in, sharing a whole story with an image. It can create an entire mood, illuminate written text, set a tone or present a highly evolved creative concept.
Artist At Work Award
This award celebrates a defining photograph that captures a moment of creativity of the artist at work – in the studio, on stage, behind-the-scenes.
ICON Award
A special honour in recognition of an individual whose impact and contribution to the art of music photography is unparalleled.
Meet 2023's Judges
There are also four invited category awards, with the nominees and winners chosen by the official judging panel that includes renowned British photographer, publisher and film director Rankin, BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter Cat Burns, innovative photographer Vicky Grout, leading stylist and consultant Karen Binns (Wizkid & Tori Amos), singer-songwriter and kitchen disco icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor, US photographer and winner of 2022’s ICON Award, Eric Johnson, stylist and creative director Matthew Josephs (FKA Twigs) and New York Times Deputy Photo Editor Nakyung Han.
This esteemed panel will nominate, debate and ultimately award these categories - each bringing their own unique expertise to the table.
See images from our inaugral award ceremony below
Don't miss any of the action...
Did you know the MPAs now has its very own Instagram page? Follow for insights and tips from award-winning music photographers, exclusive content from last year’s judges and nominees & unique music photography from the MPA archive.
