Excitement is in the air as the LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 announces a lineup that truly impresses. This year, London Camera Exchange is doing more than just celebrating its 70th anniversary since opening in Guildford in 1956; it’s inviting everyone to join in a vibrant visual celebration. With 26 stores spanning the UK and a reputation founded on trust, quality gear, and genuine passion, LCE proves once again that it’s a major force in the world of photography.
This year, Sophia Spurgin claimed the top spot with her photo “Fish Eyes,” a playful yet poetic image. Taken on a boat in Hoi An, Vietnam, her shot captures a fisherman caught in the moment, using two fish as a makeshift mask. The result is honest, relatable, and unforgettable, exactly the kind of storytelling that makes street photography so powerful.
With a generous £10,000 prize fund and 14 diverse categories from landscapes and macro shots to portraits and street scenes, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’ve been capturing images for years or are just starting out, this competition is all about sharing your unique perspective. With the addition of the People’s Choice award and the Emerging Talent category, there are even more opportunities for photographers of all backgrounds to shine.
In the end, LCE 2026 isn’t simply a contest; it’s a true celebration of creativity, fresh perspectives, and those fleeting moments that make photography so special.
You can find more info:
1. Action – Winners: "Saving Lives at Sea" by David Lyon
Captured from the shore, during a regular Newhaven training exercise.
2. After Dark – Winner: "Lonely Is The Night" by Hardijanto Budiman
This photo was taken in downtown Los Angeles a few years ago. That day, I was waiting for the NBA game between the Lakers and Heat, which was still three hours away. So while waiting, I walked around and took some shots of the city.
3. Birds – Winner: "A Gazing Owlet" by Louise Norris
Looking vertically between the gaps in the leaves, hand held at 1/50s due to the lack of light, waiting for this delightful 4 week old little owl owlet to look down and make eye contact. Moment made by the rim light catching on their owlet fluff!
4. Creative – Winner: "Swan Song" by Brooke Shaden
After fostering six children between 2019 – 2023, I learned the hard way how to love and let go, because nothing is permanent. Swan Song looks at the way we’re all in some way frozen in childhood, holding on for dear life, and how children suffering trauma are trapped in their circumstances. Created on a small pond a two mile hike from my house, I brought inflatables, paint, and my lights, camera, and tripod, and a couple hours blowing up swans in the snow, painting them, and finally setting up my light and tripod for this self-portrait. Taken at dusk, the eerie lighting with just a pop of brightness on the subject allowed the atmosphere to fall into an ethereal haze. This image uses the modern element of the swans and juxtaposes it with a timeless atmosphere and wardrobe, heightening the sense of the incongruity of time.
5. Emerging Talent – Winner: "Imprint" by Millie Melvin
‘Imprint’ explores lineage and how this shapes us. Inspired by an imprint left on the back of a frame from an old family photograph. I worked with nature to make this print using different botanicals found in her garden. Through the grid, the work explores identity as fragmented and layered. The work explores pace through the slow process of making. Each print is individually hand printed and toned, welcoming the viewer to slow down. The closed eyes in the portrait invites the viewer to go into an interior space.
6. Events – Winner: "Half a Second Before" by Jacek Salaga
This photo was taken during wrestling event in Denmark. Fast growth of interest in this form of entertainment has turned it from almost unknown to very popular, with major events sold out in the tickets pre-sale. Photo taken with Leica M10R, Summicron 28mm and manual Godox strobe.
7. Landscape – Winner: "The Lotus" by Colin Page
An Urban Landscape. Modern urban residential developments demand a compact, densely designed living space. The reflection of the Lotus floating Chinese restaurant emphasizes the confined space. Taken at the waters of the Inner Millwall Dock on the Isle of Dogs in East London. I wanted to reveal a view of a modern landscape that was once an industrial site.
8. Macro – Winner: "Teamwork" by Dikye Ariani
Red ants are incredibly strong relative to their size, capable of lifting 10–50 times their own body weight. Microscopically, they can support up to 5,700 times their body weight. They possess powerful mandibles, painful venomous stings, and can form “super-colonies” of millions. Ants actually have four to five times more odour receptors than most other insects. It’s this exceptional sense of smell that helps ants find food.
9. People’s Choice – Winner: "Magical Uphill Lincoln" by Andrew Scott
This image was taken during golden hour in Lincoln. The image captures the historic streets and architecture of Lincoln as a golden sunset sets in. A slow shutter speed (1/25th) was necessary as this was hand held at night. The golden glow of the sky, cobbles and light from the window add that extra dimension in terms of how the overall image works as a result.
10. Pets – Winner: "Silent Sentinel" by Carole-Ann Chambers
Silent Sentinel is a fine art pet portrait exploring stillness, presence, and quiet guardianship. Captured in natural woodland light, the image was created to emphasise calm strength and watchfulness rather than action. The composition and muted colour palette were chosen to strip away distraction, allowing the subject’s expression and posture to carry the emotional weight of the image. The work reflects my ongoing interest in portraying animals not as props or performers, but as sentient beings with their own inner world.
11. Portrait – Winner: "Red Rebel" by John Lynch
The photograph was taken in Bath, UK, on 20th Apr, 2024. Dressed in their distinctive red rebel outfits, the largest global assembly of the Red Rebel Brigade ever seen (400 in total) are pictured as they take part in a ‘funeral for nature’ procession through the streets of Bath to help raise awareness of the damage that mankind is doing to the planet.
12. Street – Winner: "Crossing the Curves" by Helen Trust
A lone cyclist moves through sweeping arcs of light and shadow at the City of Arts and Sciences. Reflections echo the architecture’s rhythm, momentarily aligning human motion with structure, symmetry, and space.
13. Travel & Overall Winner: "Fish Eyes" by Sophia Spurgin
The photo shows a Vietnamese fisherman holding two fish in front of his eyes. There is a fishing net behind him. I took this on a boat in Hoi An, Vietnam. I had been taking photos of him fishing and this was the playful end of the photography session.
14. Wildlife – Winner: "Fighting Foxes in the Rain" by Sophia Spurgin
The image shows two foxes who have reared up on their hind legs to assert dominance. They look like a couple from Strictly Come Dancing! The rain adds some atmosphere. These foxes are fairly tame in this area and, when it started raining, we sought shelter. The foxes followed us, as people feed the foxes, and they hoped for some food. This little fight was probably about dominance and was more about ‘top dog’ than aggression. I liked the background rain.
FAQs
1. What is the LCE Photographer of the Year competition?
The LCE Photographer of the Year is an annual photography competition run by London Camera Exchange. It’s free to enter and welcomes everyone, regardless of experience. With a wide range of categories, photographers from all over the country can showcase their work and compete for impressive cash prizes. This year, there’s a total of £10,000 up for grabs.
2. Who won LCE Photographer of the Year 2026?
In 2026, Sophia Spurgin won the top prize for her photo, “Fish Eyes.” The image features a Vietnamese fisherman holding fish over his eyes, creating a playful and memorable moment that’s both humorous and eye-catching. It’s a wonderful display of storytelling and creativity, captured in real life.
3. What categories are included in the competition?
With 14 different categories—ranging from landscapes and portraits to macro and street photography—there’s something for every type of photographer. The competition also features special awards like People’s Choice and Emerging Talent, making it an inclusive and welcoming event for everyone.
4. Is the LCE competition open to beginners?
Definitely! Whether you’re just starting out or have been taking photos for years, you’re invited to take part. It’s a great opportunity for beginners to share their work, gain recognition, and even compete with experienced photographers for prizes.
5. What makes LCE Photographer of the Year unique?
What really makes LCE stand out is its accessibility there are lots of categories and genuine support for new talent. The competition has been around since 1956 and is organized by the staff themselves, which gives it a friendly and trustworthy vibe. It’s a fantastic chance for photographers across the UK and further afield.
