In collaboration with Port of London Authority, we are thrilled to announce Thames Lens 2026 is now open
for entries!
Thames Lens encourages photographers to get out and explore the River Thames with their
creative lens. We have six distinct categories, each of which speaks to a different facet of the river and all
offer fantastic potential for amazing photography. This year we also have an under 30 prize up for grabs!
Winners and runners-ups will be exhibited in central London.
Prizes include a year’s membership to the Photographer Gallery, vouchers for camera equipment, Hop-on
Hop-off tickets courtesy of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, and much more.
Submission Information
• Deadline: Friday 9 January 2026
• Enter by: submitting the form on our website
• Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully before entering
The winners will be chosen by a panel comprised of representatives from Thames Festival Trust and Port of
London Authority.
Siân Foster, PLA Corporate Affairs Director, said:
“Each year, Thames Lens photographers find new ways to capture the distinctiveness of the tidal Thames –
home to the UK’s biggest port, diverse communities and unique natural habitats. We’re delighted to be
supporting Thames Lens again this year. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the river and our Thames Vision
2050 goal of attracting more people to use and enjoy this special blue space.”
Director of Thames Festival Trust, Adrian Evans, concludes:
“As a subject matter for creative photography, the river is a gift which keeps on giving. Every day, it offers a
multitude of different perspectives as it winds its way through our great capital city. Don’t miss your chance
to be part of Thames Lens 2026!”
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 landscape of the Thames presents dramatic and evocative perspectives on the city as
it 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.
• Photojournalism
Capture hidden narratives of the river through a single or a series of images. We will be looking for
stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• Illuminated River Video Category: With video becoming one of the most powerful ways we
consume and share stories, this new category marks a bold step forward, allowing new ways for all
photographers and videographers to engage with the Illuminated River bridges. Spanning nine
bridges from London Bridge to Lambeth Bridge, Illuminated River is the world’s longest public art
commission. An orchestrated series of artworks using LED lights brings the city’s bridges to life,
transforming the River Thames at night. Videos must be 2.5 minutes max in length and can be taken
on any device. Entrants are encouraged to demonstrate artistic creativity and imagination.
For more details, please contact:
Annabel Taylor-Munt, Programme Manager, Thames Festival Trust
E: a.taylor-munt@thamesfestival.org
About the Thames Festival Trust
The Thames Festival Trust is an arts organisation which delivers festivals, stand-alone commissions,
river-based events, heritage projects and education programmes. We have a twenty-eight-year
track record of using learning, culture and creativity to amaze, excite and inform. Our work helps
bring communities together, originally around the River Thames, and now in cities across the UK
and the world.
thamesfestivaltrust.org
About the Port of London Authority
Covering 95 miles of the tidal River Thames, the Port of London Authority (PLA) works to keep
commercial and leisure users safe, protects and enhances the environment and promotes the use
of the river for trade and travel.
As a trust port, the PLA has no shareholders and operates for the benefit of customers and
stakeholders, now and in the future.
pla.co.uk