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

In partnership with Young K&C

Founded by BAFTA and multi-award-winning artist Alison Jackson in 2019, this community-driven initiative is designed for aspiring photographers from under-represented and minority backgrounds. The program includes a youth division for participants aged 4 to 18 years, as well as support for individuals aged 19 and above, including older residents aged 50 and up, primarily within The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.

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 was founded by BAFTA and multi-award-winning artist Alison Jackson. This community-centered charity project is dedicated to nurturing budding talent and aspiring photographers from under-represented, minority backgrounds.

Open to anyone interested in photography—from any skill level and age (5 years and up)—participants must live, work, or study in The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea or Westminster. Using a phone or camera, entrants are encouraged to capture photographs that best reflect these extraordinary times, including themes such as climate change, living with a disability, supporting friends, family, or local businesses.

“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 competition aims to inspire a diverse range of photographic ideas across any subject or style. Winners from 2019 and 2023 had their work exhibited at the world-famous Saatchi Gallery, while others won Canon camera equipment. Additional prizes include short courses, mentorships, and memberships to esteemed photography clubs, sponsored by University of the Arts London (UAL).

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