Preview: 5 unmissable UK photography competitions to enter in 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 9:00 
So you're planning on going for some photography prizes in 2012? Good for you! Maybe you're planning on entering several competitions. There are many of them to choose from. So which of them simply can't be overlooked? Well, that depends what you're looking for. Are you hoping to get your work seen? Want to be inspired? Want to get some letters after your name? We think we've got the pick of the bunch for you:
Wanderlust Travel Photo of the Year
Where? UK (Amateur and Professional categories)
Now in its 16th year, the Wanderlust Travel Photo of the Year competition is firmly established as the UK’s biggest amateur travel photography competition, attracting more than 5,000 entries annually. The 2012 competition will be launching this summer. Details available in Wanderlust Magazine and at http://travelphotocompetition.wanderlust.co.uk/
Where? London (open to anyone)
This charity fundraising photo competition run by the British Heart Foundation is now in its third year. Prizes include some top notch photography gear and experiences. The 2012 competition will open in October. The winners from the 2011 competition will be announced on the 29th of Jan in the Independent on Sunday and on the BHF website.
London Festival of Photography
Where? London (open to anyone)
In 2011 this event's theme was street photography and in 2012 it will be street and documentary photography, expanding as the London Festival of Photography. The event will offer photographers the opportunity to win £2,000 and their own show in the street photography category while students can win £1,000 and a group exhibition. The programme will be announced in the new year.
Where? Worldwide (open to anyone)
Anyone can enter the iPhone photography awards, including photographers from the UK. Photos must not be edited or optimised using image editing tools like Photoshop, but iPhone/iTouch apps like Hipstamatic are allowed. You simply have to tell them which app you've used though. You must enter by March 31.
Bob Books Book-of-the-Year 2012
Where? London (open to anyone)
This one is a particular favourite. Entry is free and open to all Bob Books customers. Once you've created and ordered your book, simply publish your book in the Bob Bookshop with public visibilty and email the book's link to competition@bobbooks.co.uk. Full details here. Monthly winners are selected by our judges, receiving a free Bob Books photobook plus a spot in the Book of the Year competition. The Book of the Year winner is selected by public voting. Watch out for the 2011 Book of the Year voting which will commence next week.
Photography by Peter Heilmann
Reader Comments (2)
Great. So far I have only entered Metro Photo challenge.
When is the voting for Book of the Year 2011 actually open and how/where do you vote?