In collaboration with the Illuminated River Foundation, Thames Festival Trust has launched a brand-new video category for its long-running annual photography competition, Thames Lens.
The Illuminated River project – an ambitious public art commission spanning nine Thames bridges from London Bridge to Lambeth Bridge – is the world’s longest public artwork. Using carefully programmed LED lighting, the installation transforms the appearance of the bridges after dark, turning the Thames into a vibrant night-time gallery.
The Thames Lens competition encourages photographers and videographers to explore the River Thames, capturing its ever-changing character and the many ways people interact with the river at the heart of London. The addition of a video category reflects the rising importance of digital media and moving imagery in visual storytelling.
The Illuminated River Foundation is sponsoring two prizes for this new category:
• one open to third-year photography students at Ravensbourne University
• one open to the general public
Both prizes invite participants to film the illuminated bridges using any device, from smartphones to professional cameras.
Foundation trustee Sarah Gaventa said:
“For centuries, the Thames has been a muse for painters, poets and, in more recent times, photographers, filmmakers and digital creators. It is the heart of the city, framed by iconic landmarks and alive with stories from throughout history. By day, it inspires reflection and memory; by night, it dazzles with striking beauty. We are delighted to introduce this new Thames Lens category, which embraces the evolving ways we experience media and will help to capture the subtle play of light across the bridges and the powerful ways people connect with the installation.”
Now in its 20th year, Thames Lens is sponsored by the Port of London Authority and offers five long-standing photographic categories: River City, River of Life, River People, Working River, and Photojournalism. Winning entries will be exhibited during this year’s Totally Thames festival in September.
Entries are open until January 9.
To submit images or video, visit:
https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission
A judging panel made up of representatives from Thames Festival Trust and the Port of London Authority will select the winners.
