YEARBOOK was launched in 2020 as an answer to all the cancelled graduate shows, and uncertainty about when events of that size and nature would be able to resume. We at Shutter Hub thought about what these shows mean for those involved, and what they were missing by not having them. In many ways they echo the ethos of Shutter Hub exhibitions – group shows of work by many varied photographers, promoted to the photography world, attended by industry experts, other photographers’ networks and potential employers. We decided to do what we could to have a positive impact for everyone, and not just for graduates. It was a huge success, with photographers gaining valuable new connections, opportunities and a real sense of community – it was something special to be part of, together!

We’re really pleased to announce that YEARBOOK is back for 2021 and we are inviting all photographers to get involved again!

Whether you are a graduate, self-taught, graduated a really long time ago, under 30, over 30, emerging, emerged or not even sure what emerging means, this is for you. If you’re a photographer looking for a way to get more eyes on your work, we’d like to help you reach new audiences through YEARBOOK.

Just like last year, YEARBOOK will be a group exhibition online, promoted to people working within the photography industry, with the chance to be selected for a printed publication going out to industry specialists and agencies and a series of YEARBOOK Awards. Have a look at last year’s exhibition here, printed publication here and the 2020 YEARBOOK Awards here.

We’re asking for entries from anyone who would like a bit of a promotional boost, no matter your background or education. There’s no theme, but we’d encourage you to think of it like a graduate show – an opportunity to promote your best work. Keep in mind that due to the scale of this project we won’t be able to include full series of images from all entrants, but there will be a link from your name to your website or social media (you’ll decide), so viewers will be able to link through to see more of your work.

The main exhibition will be online, so it can be easily shared and accessed, in the same format as last year’s exhibition, which you can see here. All valid entries will have at least one image included per person, on our website, which reaches over 20,000 people per month . We’ll promote the show through our newsletter and social media with a combined audience of over 12,000 and everyone we know who wants to see new photography!

100 images will be selected to be included in a printed publication that will be sent out to 100 industry specialists and agencies. The publication will also be available to buy if you’d like to send it to your own contacts, or for others to buy just to enjoy! You can find out more about last year’s printed publication here.

YEARBOOK Awards 2021

We’re really pleased that to present a series of awards from major industry organisations, who will select one photographer each to receive exciting prizes and the title of YEARBOOK Award Winners! Find out more about the YEARBOOK Awards 2021 and our fantastic judges here.

BenQ YEARBOOK AWARD 2021 – One photographer will be selected by the UK BenQ team, to receive a BenQ SW270C professional monitor.

Genesis Imaging YEARBOOK AWARD 2021 – One photographer will be selected by Gabrielle Brooks from Genesis Imaging to receive a £1,000 bursary to use with Genesis Imaging, redeemable against print and/or finishing services, plus a mentorship with Genesis Imaging’s Creative Director, Mark Foxwell.

The Griffin Museum of Photography YEARBOOK AWARD 2021 – One photographer will be selected by Paula Tognarelli from the Griffin Museum of Photography to receive a seat in the online version of their Photography Atelier in either March or September 2022, culminating with a class exhibition.

Metro Imaging YEARBOOK AWARD 2021 – One photographer will be selected by Professor Steve Macleod from Metro Imaging to receive a twelve month mentorship, including producing a working portfolio.

The Modern House YEARBOOK AWARD 2021 – One photographer will be selected by Albert Hill from The Modern House to receive a mentorship session with Albert Hill and Elliot Sheppard, The Modern House’s Lead Photographer, including going on a shoot.

Newspaper Club YEARBOOK AWARD 2021 – One photographer will be selected by Sarah Belfort from Newspaper Club to receive a £150 printing voucher for Newspaper Club.

Photographic Resource Center YEARBOOK AWARD 2021 – One photographer will be selected by Jessica Burko from the Photographic Resource Center to receive a one-year membership to the Photographic Resource Center.

Photolucida YEARBOOK AWARD 2021 – One photographer will be selected by Audra Osborne from Photolucida to receive a virtual portfolio review and entry to Critical Mass 2022.

PhotoShelter YEARBOOK AWARD 2021 – One photographer will be selected to receive a PhotoShelter Pro Account

WSJ Photo Editor YEARBOOK AWARD 2021 – One photographer will be selected by Dan Gaba, Photo Editor at the Wall Street Journal, to receive a portfolio review.

There are no set entry fees for YEARBOOK, we’re asking you to ‘pay what you can’. If you’re lucky enough to be in employment, or getting financial support, we hope you’ll help us support those who aren’t.

We’re making this opportunity affordable for all photographers, but it isn’t cheap to produce. Please help support us by sharing what we do. We receive no external grants or funding, but we’re determined to do what we can to keep photography open to all.

You don’t have to be a Shutter Hub member to take part, but if you’d like to find out about all the benefits of being a Shutter Hub member you can do so here.

This is your graduate show, whether you’ve just graduated, never graduated, or can’t even remember that far back!

Deadline for entries: 22 July 2021 (5pm BST)

Want to take part? ENTER HERE

Instagram giveaway: Fancy winning a Shutter Hub goody bag? Once you’ve submitted your entry via the entry form, post the image/s on Instagram with #SHYEARBOOK, follow and tag @shutter_hub to be entered into the draw! Winners will be selected at random from qualifying entries and announced after the deadline has passed. This competition is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.⁠

Got any questions? Email us at info@shutterhub.org.uk

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Not a Shutter Hub member yet? Join here  for opportunities to promote your work online and in exhibitions, access selected opportunities, events, seminars and workshops, meet up and share photographic experiences, and become part of our growing community