Now entering its fourth year, the Heavy Music Awards Young Photographer of the Year competition 2020 welcomed a record number of entries from emerging amateur talents aged 16-21. For this year’s edition, legendary lensman Paul Harries – known for his work with bands like My Chemical Romance, Green Day and Metallica – handpicked six finalists who will go forward for public vote to decide who takes the prize. The winner will have the chance to be mentored one-on-one by Paul at an exclusive London photoshoot, gaining practical experience and expert knowledge, as well as exposure of their own work.
The winner will be announced on Wednesday 05 February, vote for your favourite now at http://heavymusicawards.com/poll/ypoty2020.
HMA Young Photographer of the Year 2020 finalists
Sky Buerhaus
Martha Fitzpatrick
George Girvan
James Kay
Josh Leveridge
Dani Willgress
Paul Harries – known globally for a portfolio bursting with iconic images of artists including Nirvana, Muse, Biffy Clyro, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Slash, Bring Me The Horizon, Ghost, Twenty One Pilots, Blink-182, Slipknot and more – said:
“It’s a privilege to be asked to provide a short-list for the Young Photographer of the Year competition. I’m regularly asked for advice by budding young photographers so this is a great opportunity for me to edit for the most promising 16-21 year olds. I’m already looking forward to working with the winner on a shoot next year so I can offer advice, hopefully inspire, and perhaps share a few trade secrets.”
The Young Photographer of the Year competition has become hugely popular since its inception in 2017. Whilst celebrating outstanding talent it looks to provide real-world opportunities and support for the burgeoning careers of those who enter. The winner of 2018’s contest, Eleanor Sutcliffe, became a full member of the HMA19 photo team.
Heavy Music Awards co-founder Andy Pritchard said: “YPOTY has become one of the most fun and exciting elements of the HMAs each year – the quality of the photographs we receive is astounding and we’re incredibly proud to be able to offer this platform to those who will undoubtedly be at the vanguard of heavy music photography in years to come. Having Paul Harries involved for 2020, a genuine legend of the scene, is a real honour.”