UoG students are finalists at national Association of Photographers Student Awards 2026
Three University of Gloucestershire students have been selected as finalists for the Association of Photographers (AOP) Student Awards 2026, which have been celebrating excellence in UK photographic education for more than 40 years.
Rupert Allen and Imogen Bell (both BA (Hons) Photography (Documentary Photojournalism)) are finalists in the People category, which covers any form of people-photography from portraiture to street photography, photojournalism and beyond.
Charlotte Franks (BA (Hons) Photography: (Editorial and Advertising)) is a finalist in the Things category, where photographers are invited to impress the judging panel with unique images of anything not covered by the two other categories – People and Places – such as animals, plants and everyday objects.
Winners of the Gold and Silver awards, and the Best in Show – won in 2023 by University of Gloucestershire student Jimmy Fletcher – will be announced at E1 Studios in London on 17 July. Prizes include £2,500 worth of equipment from Fujifilm.
Rupert, Imogen and Charlotte are looking to become the latest names on proud roll of honour of award winners from the University’s Photography programme. Earlier this year, graduate Annabel Lee-Ellis was named Canon Young Sports Photographer of the Year at the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards.
The AOP Student Awards were established in the early 1980s, to recognise and highlight emerging photographic talent which existed in education institutions across the UK, with many winners going on to become professional photographers.
Trudie Ballantyne, Co-Course Leader for BA Photography (Editorial and Advertising) and BA Photography (Documentary and Photojournalism), said: “We are incredibly proud of Rupert, Imogen and Charlotte for being selected as finalists in the Association of Photographers Student Awards.
“It is inspiring for our alumni, current students and future students to see members of our community recognised and their work showcased on a national stage. We wish Rupert, Imogen and Charlotte the very best at the awards ceremony on 17 July.”
Main image: More than a Jersey, credit Imogen Bell