In collaboration with Port of London Authority, we are thrilled to announce Thames Lens 2024 is now open for entries! Thames Lens has encouraged non-professional photographers to get out and explore the River Thames through a creative lens. We have five distinct categories, each of which speak to different facets of the river that all offer different potential.
Prizes include a year’s membership to the Photographer Gallery, £250 gift voucher of the winner’s choosing, dinner for two courtesy of LIMIN, River Roamer tickets each courtesy of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, and much more.
The winners will be chosen by a panel comprised of representatives from Thames Festival Trust, Port of London Authority, and Illuminated River Foundation.
As part of Totally Thames festival, join street photographer Kevin Mullins for a unique street photography walk around Chelsea Embankment to capture your next shots for Thames Lens. Supported by Cadogan Pier. Book your tickets here.
Siân Foster, PLA Corporate Affairs Director, said:
“As well as being home to the UK’s biggest port, the Thames is an incredible place to work, live, visit and play. We’re delighted to be supporting Thames Lens again this year – it’s a great opportunity to celebrate the river and our Thames Vision 2050 goal of attracting more people to use and enjoy this unique blue space.”
Director of Thames Festival Trust, Adrian Evans, concludes:
“As a subject matter for creative photographers, the river is a gift which keeps on giving. Every day, it offers a multitude of different perspectives as it winds its way through our great capital city. This year, we’re exhibiting the best of the thousands of submissions we’ve received over almost two decades. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Thames Lens 2024!”
Quote from Sarah Gaventa, Director, Illuminated River:
“Being part of the Thames Lens photography competition is incredibly rewarding. It's a privilege to witness how photographers capture the ever-evolving beauty and dynamism of London's bridges and each year, I am excited to see new work that captures these iconic structures. The competition not only celebrates artistic talent but also deepens our connection to the River Thames and its historic bridges.”
Themes
- Working River: London is home to the UK’s largest port, helping to make the Thames the busiest river in England for transporting freight, and for passengers, both seeing the sights and commuting to work. These industries are vital for London’s economy and form an important part of the Thames’ rich river tapestry.
- River City: The stunning landscapes of the Thames is a sight to behold – with completely different dramatic views offered as the river winds its way from West to East.
- River of Life: The River Thames is home to hundreds of species of fish and having been considered biologically dead is now seeing a resurgence of animal and plant activity. Seals, birds, and more love to call the Thames their home.
- River People: One of the factors that makes the Thames so vibrant is how people interact with it on different levels. From calling it home, to using it for water sports, and even working on it – people bring the river to life: the perfect subject for a photo.
- Illuminated River & The Public: Illuminated River is the longest public art commission in the world, spanning nine bridges from London to Lambeth, that has transformed the Thames at night. This year’s theme is centred around ‘People and Places’. Share your favourite views of the artwork including people, the bridges, and moments where the public have paused to soak up the atmosphere, light and colours along the Thames.
Submission Information
Photo
Thames Lens 2023 | Totally Thames festival Overall Winner: Kristina Kapciukaite | One Foggy Morning
