“This is a great competition. It can be something you tackle soon, as the hot summer runs through, or you can pause and come to the Thames’ banks in cooler times when autumnal colours abound. Whenever you choose to come, show us the Thames through your eyes, through your lens. This year, we are keen to see how the Trading Thames can be captured and reflected too, so get busy, look for the story of the UK’s largest port and busiest inland waterway and share it!”
Alistair Gale Director of Corporate Affairs, Strategy & Thames Vision

Categories

  • 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: 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.
  • Student: Our new student prize, asks people in higher education to respond to one of the competitions five categories.
  • Under 25's: Our under 25’s prize, encourages young people to get down to the River Thames and capture photos which represent one of the competitions five categories.
  • Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully before entering
A bridge on the thames lit up with people and traffic on it.
Photo: 'Colour Rush' by Warren Chrismas, overall winner of the Illuminated River category of Thames Lens 2021
“We are thrilled that our annual Thames Lens competition attracts hundreds of submissions, and we are always surprised and delighted by the extraordinary diverse ways in which photographers respond to this great river of ours as it flows through our capital city. Long may the Thames be a source of inspiration and joy for us all!”
Adrian Evans, Director, Thames Festival Trust

Submit your Entries

Personal Details
Category
Photo Upload

Please provide a title and a short description to explain your photo, the inspiration, and how it responds to the theme. 

Photos must be submitted in JPG, PNG or TIFF format. You must ensure the file name of the photo is : Your Full Name | Photo Title

Please note any photo which is uploading without your Full Name and Photo Title, will be automatically disqualified. 

Please use the below links to upload your photos
Submission

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Annabel Taylor-Munt

Totally Thames Programme Manager

Annabel completed her Degree in Design at Goldsmiths University of London, before going on to receive various grants to write and produce moving image work. Taking a keen interest in community-focused projects and local history she joined the Thames Festival Team as an intern in the heritage department before becoming the Totally Thames Programme Manager.

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