Photo London, the leading international photography fair, is set to celebrate its tenth anniversary with a significant event: the 2025 Photo London x Hahnemühle Student Award. This year, the award has seen remarkable growth, with over 100 students from 34 UK-based universities being nominated by their course tutors. The judging panel has shortlisted five outstanding students whose work will be showcased at the fair, which is scheduled to take place from May 15 to 18, 2025.

Among the shortlisted artists is Billy Allen from the University of the West of England. His work, "Atrocity Exhibition," explores gender roles and femininity through a process of masquerade and noir-inspired drama. Allen's practice often involves creating staged fantasies using unconventional materials and building techniques he learned during his construction background. His photographic series reflects his deep connection to place and his interest in finding unconventional beauty in everyday life.

Nina Kostamo Deschamps from Falmouth University presents "Usva," a series that delves into place attachment and human-nature relationships. Deschamps' work is deeply personal, rooted in her family history and her experiences in Lapland. Her series combines her own photographs with family archives to explore how places shape our identities and leave emotional imprints.

Nika Krykun from Richmond American University London presents "Svitlo (Light)," a series that captures portraits of Ukrainian women artists living in London. Krykun's work is a visual exploration of how these women navigate times of sorrow while continuing to create art. Her practice spans various mediums, including photography, painting, sculpture, performance, film, and music.

Jessica Lowther from Arts University Bournemouth explores the intersection of memory and authenticity through her ongoing project "Familiar Strangers." By combining archival family photographs with AI-generated imagery, Lowther challenges the traditional role of photography as a definitive record of the past. Her work invites viewers to reflect on their own memories and perceptions of reality.

Dulcie Wagstaff from the University of the West of England presents "Glimmer," a series that examines spirituality within today's generation. Wagstaff's work seeks to visualize often invisible elements such as spirituality, mental health, family bonds, dreams, and societal fears. Her series captures reflections and internal worlds through low-resolution images re-photographed through phone screens.

The winning artist will be selected by the judges at Photo London on May 17th and will receive a visit to Hahnemühle's mill in Germany to print a body of work. This award not only celebrates emerging talent but also supports young photographers in their creative journeys.