CAMBRIDGE, England, February 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

The National Photography Awards, open to professionals, amateurs and students, offer a platform for talented photographers to help launch their careers, or promote their existing businesses, by gaining 'National Award Winning' status.

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Entries are welcome in any genre, giving those in both wide and more niche sectors of the industry the opportunity to gain exposure and recognition for their work. Entries are judged each month and those achieving top marks will receive national award winning status, at bronze, silver, gold or diamond level. There is also a monthly themed competition, with 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners announced every month. Throughout the year, images achieving silver award status or higher, and those winning a place in the themed competitions, will automatically be entered into the relevant category of the 'Photographer of the Year' awards, with a variety of coveted titles and trophies up for grabs in different categories.

This year's categories include: Wedding, Portrait, Wildlife, Landscape, Sports, Newborn, Travel, Boudoir & Glamour, Fashion, Advertising, Equestrian and Astronomy. There is also a 'Young Photographer of the Year' category, for entrants aged between 12-17 and a 'Judges Choice Award' for images that do not fall into any of the other categories. Towards the end of the year, three finalists will be selected for each category and invited to attend the 2014 Awards Ceremony. This glittering black-tie event is set to be the 'Oscars of the Photography Industry', celebrating the very best of British photography. And of course, one lucky person will be crowned with the ultimate title: NPA British Photographer of the Year 2014.

The panel of judges is made up of a team of photographers who have successfully built their own thriving businesses, as well as key industry figures, such as Adam Scorey, former BBC photographer and current editor of leading industry magazines 'Professional Photographer' and 'Photography Monthly', and Geoff Harris, editor of 'Digital Camera', the UK's best-selling photography magazine.

To assist the panel with judging the Photographer of the Year awards, a selection of guest judges will also be invited to share their expertise in each of the specific award categories. Says Claire Garner, "Our mission is to encourage excellence and give talented photographers the confidence and platform to achieve their career goals. We've received some fantastic entries so far and look forward to seeing a high standard of submissions throughout the year." Sponsorship opportunities are available for each of the award categories - for further information please contact: sponsorship@photographyawards.co.uk

http://www.photographyawards.co.uk

SOURCE National Photography Awards