2025 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN For residents of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea & Westminster

In partnership with Young K&C

In 2019, Alison Jackson launched A Day in Your Life—a transformative photography competition and workshop program designed to nurture and celebrate emerging creative talent from underrepresented communities, including minority groups and individuals living with disabilities.

The project’s aim is to engage and inspire creativity, provide access to essential skills, and include participants who may face barriers such as marginalization, isolation, or mental health challenges. By offering training, education, work placements, and career opportunities, the initiative seeks to empower participants to explore their creative potential, celebrate their unique talents, and open rewarding pathways to jobs in the creative industries and beyond.

About the Competition

A DAY IN YOUR LIFE with YOUNG LOCAL ARTISTS’ Photography Competition, Workshops, and Exhibition

Open to participants aged five and up, the program provides life-changing opportunities to those who may not otherwise have a platform to express their creativity.

Thanks to generous sponsors, A Day in Your Life has grown into a powerful, inclusive movement that raises the profile of young creatives, amplifies their voices, and opens tangible pathways to careers in the arts. It also supports mental health and fosters strong community bonds.

Participants benefit from free photography workshops, mentorships, and work placements. Their work has been showcased at iconic venues like Cadogan Hall, the Saatchi Gallery, Photo London, and Chelsea Physic Garden—and even displayed on large-scale hoardings, such as the 40-metre installation at Earls Court.

Many young photographers have gone on to secure paid assignments, scholarships (including at the University of the Arts London and Heatherley’s School of Fine Art), modeling contracts, and collaborations with fashion brands, magazines, and local businesses—gaining real-world experience in the creative industries.

The highlight of the year is the A Day in Your Life Photography Exhibition and Awards Ceremony at Cadogan Hall—a celebration that brings together families, youth organizations, industry leaders, educational partners, celebrities, and judges. Each year, over 60,000 images are submitted by more than 900 photographers across 90+ workshops. Prizes include professional cameras, university courses, and exclusive access to major sports venues like the Chelsea Football Club stadium.

Workshops take place throughout the Royal Borough and beyond in youth clubs, community centers, and schools—including Earls Court Youth Club, Dalgarno Trust, Chelsea Youth Club, Lancaster Youth Club, Harrow Youth Club, Solidarity, Caxton, Fit for Life, Big Local, and more. Schools such as Holy Trinity, Christchurch, Chelsea Academy, and the Ukraine School also participate. Recently, adult groups have joined the initiative as well, with great success in using photography as a tool to support wellbeing and mental health.

This creative project empowers both youth and adults by building confidence and communication skills, encouraging connection, and reducing isolation. It strengthens community ties and fosters intergenerational creativity—one photograph at a time. “Everyone should have a chance to shine. The reason I started this photography competition was to ensure that everyone has access to the same fantastic opportunities I experienced within The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, particularly the outstanding education that can lead to so much more. These prizes are primarily educational and vocational. There is so much talent out there, and I want to give a chance to those who haven’t had one before. I want to discover new talent and aspiring photographers with fresh ‘ways of seeing.’”

– Alison Jackson, Founder

The photographs are available for sale on Saatchi Art Online. site

“I want to support young and aspiring photographers living in Kensington & Chelsea, with prizes that are educational and vocational."

INTRODUCTION

We have prizes for 5-12 YEARS, 13-18 YEARS, 19-30 YEARS, and 31+ YEARS (as it's never too early or late to pick up a new hobby). Winners could receive a brand new cameras, short courses from the University of the Arts, vouchers, free courses from Heatherley College of Fine Art, memberships, and other fantastic experiences.

This is open to any person interested in photography, from any skill level.

Categories and Prizes

Age Groups:

• 5–8 years

• 8–12 years

• 13–18 years

• 19–30 years

• 31+ years (because it’s never too early or late to pick up a new hobby!)

Winners will receive prizes such as new cameras, vouchers, short courses from UAL, free day courses at Heatherley College of Fine Art, and other exciting opportunities.

Primary Prizes by Category:

5–8 Years

• Winner: Brand-new digital camera

• 2nd Place: Instax camera

• 3rd Place: Voucher

• Highly Commended

• Commended

8–12 Years

• Winner: Brand-new digital camera

• 2nd Place: Instax camera

• 3rd Place: Voucher

• Highly Commended

• Commended

13–18 Years

• Winner: Brand-new digital camera

• 2nd Place: Instax camera

• 3rd Place: Voucher

• Highly Commended

• Commended

Special Prizes

Workshop Portrait Prize (Subject to confirmation this year)

• Winner: Brand-new digital camera

• 2nd Place: Instax camera

Chelsea Physic Garden Prize

• Winner: Brand-new digital camera

• 2nd Place: Instax camera

• 3rd Place: Voucher

• 6 Highly Commended

Best Stylist

• Winner: Amazon voucher

• Runner-Up

Best Model

• Winner: Amazon voucher

• Runner-Up

Young Adult Prize (19–30 Years)

• Winner: Instax camera + 2 days at Heatherley College of Fine Art’s Open Studio (life/portrait drawing with expert tutors)

• 2nd Place: Instax camera

Adult Prize (31+ Years)

• Winner: Instax camera

UAL Short Courses

Winners will have access to a short course of their choice from UAL (online or in-person, valued up to £600).

• 7–18 Years Winners: Access to UAL’s brand-new short courses for teenagers.

• Open to minorities, including those from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds, LGBTQIA+, BAME, and disabled or D/deaf communities.

Judges will consider participants’ backgrounds, as provided in their applications, to ensure the prizes go to those most in need of these opportunities.

The Alison Jackson Prize (For Participants with Disabilities)

• Winner: A photography workshop with top creatives. Work one-on-one with Alison Jackson and her team to conduct your own photoshoot, gaining invaluable tutoring and technical support.

Important Notes

*Age as of 1st October 2025
** Evidence must be supplied if selected. Shortlisted winners may be asked for an interview.

• 1st October 2025 - Application closes