The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards return for 2026, inviting photographers from across the globe to capture and define the visual language of music today.
Now live, the awards celebrate talent at every level - from emerging voices and undiscovered creatives to established names shaping the industry, with eight distinct categories and a newly assembled panel of expert judges.
At its core, The MPAs are about spotlighting and recognising the photographers whose images capture music culture in all its facets - the incredible moments, energy, and emotion that define how music is experienced and remembered. Your work could help shape that narrative.
If you are preparing to enter your own work, the most compelling submissions tend to share one thing: intention. From curation to storytelling, every detail matters. Here is how to approach your entry with clarity and confidence, and give yourself the best chance come awards night.
Start with your portfolio
Begin by revisiting your work from 2025 with a critical eye. Focus on choosing and curating your strongest images - the ones that feel distinctive and true to your own perspective. A strong portfolio is not about volume, but about vision. how you see, not just what you shoot.
Understand your visual identity
Think about the images that define your style. Whether it is live performance, portraiture, or intimate behind-the-scenes moments, identifying your visual voice will help you choose the right categories and present your work with purpose.
MPA25 Guest Category: Club Culture winner, Connor Baker featuring Glitterbox Ibiza
Capture moments that resonate
The most powerful music photography goes beyond documentation. Look for raw emotion, unexpected angles, and fleeting moments that bring the energy of music to life. These are the images that stay with people.
Show range where it counts
In categories such as Emerging Photographer of the Year and Underground Scenes, versatility can elevate a submission. Demonstrating range while maintaining a consistent point of view shows both skill and creative confidence.
Add context to your work
A short, thoughtful caption can deepen the impact of your image. Offer insight into the moment - what was happening, why it mattered - without over-explaining. Let the image lead, and the caption enhance.
MPA25 Live Music winner, Ruby Boland featuring MAY-A
Check the details
Before submitting, take the time to review the entry requirements for your chosen category. Ensuring everything is accurate and complete is a simple but crucial step.
The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards are an opportunity to present not just your best work, but your creative identity. Choose images that feel intentional, personal, and fully realised.
Entries are open now and close on 30 June.
Submit your work at mpa.photo.