Art & Culture
Thames Lens 2025
In collaboration with Port of London Authority, Thames Festival Trust has announced Thames Lens 2025 photography competition is now open for entries!
Thames Lens encourages non-professional photographers to get out and explore the River Thames through a creative lens. There are five distinct categories, each of which speak to different facets of the river that all offer different potential.
Prizes include a year’s membership to the Photographer Gallery, £250 gift voucher of the winner’s choosing, dinner for two courtesy of LIMIN, River Roamer tickets each courtesy of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, and much more.
The winners will be chosen by a panel comprised of representatives from Thames Festival Trust, Port of London Authority, and Illuminated River Foundation.
Categories
- Working River: London is home to the UK’s largest port, helping to make the Thames the busiest river in England for transporting freight, and for passengers, both seeing the sights and commuting to work. These industries are vital for London’s economy and form an important part of the Thames’ rich river tapestry.
- River City: The stunning landscapes of the Thames is a sight to behold – with completely different dramatic views offered as the river winds its way from West to East.
- River of Life: The River Thames is home to hundreds of species of fish and having been considered biologically dead is now seeing a resurgence of animal and plant activity. Seals, birds, and more love to call the Thames their home.
- River People: One of the factors that makes the Thames so vibrant is how people interact with it on different levels. From calling it home, to using it for water sports, and even working on it – people bring the river to life: the perfect subject for a photo.
- Illuminated River: Illuminated River is the longest public art commission in the world, spanning nine bridges from London to Lambeth, that has transformed the Thames at night. This year’s theme is centred around ‘People and Places’. Share your favourite views of the artwork including people, the bridges, and moments where the public have paused to soak up the atmosphere, light and colours along the Thames.
- Student: Our new student prize, asks people in higher education to respond to one of the competitions five categories.
- Under 25's: Our under 25’s prize, encourages young people to get down to the River Thames and capture photos which represent one of the competitions five categories.
- Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully before entering
For more information and to enter, visit Thames Festival Trust website
