Film photographers from the UK are invited to enter the UK Film Photographer of the Year competition, for the chance to win a massive prize pot worth £4,000. Continue reading to see the prizes up for grabs from Analogue Wonderland, Kodak Professional and Ricoh. We’re looking for your best film photographs taken in 2025. Entries are FREE, and close 21st January 2026. Winners will be announced at our prestigious AP Awards on 26th February 2026.
Cal Holland won last year’s competition with his street photography portfolio. He received more than £4k worth of prizes, including a brand-new Pentax 17 film camera, a year’s supply of Kodak film, a year’s supply of film developing and scanning with the Analogue Wonderland lab, and a limited-edition Pentax T-shirt and baseball cap! You could also be in with the chance of winning the same amazing prizes, by entering here!
I caught up with Cal to find out more about what he’s been up to since winning the competition and what he’s been able to do with the prizes…
What made you enter the competition?
So many reasons; that it was the inaugural Film Photographer of the Year award, the incredible prize, and the impressive group of sponsors and judges all gave me assurances that this was the right contest to choose for my first time entering a photography competition. It’s also completely free to enter, which I really admire, it removes a barrier and gives everyone an equal footing.
Can you tell us more about the work you have been making since winning?
A lot of street photography. You really get out what you put into it, and I’m also pretty obsessed, so I try to push myself to shoot on the street as much as I can. I published my first zine with Bump Books in July, and I’ve just released my first self-published zine, A Show Of Hands.
I’ve also been shooting film on other subjects though, cattle farmers in the Peak District, several cello gigs, a wedding, and a lot of rolls through point-and-shoots, just photographing my daily life with friends and my girlfriend.
Can you tell us about any benefits you’ve had from both entering and winning?
With the money I’ve saved on film & developing I’ve gradually been investing in a home development and scanning setup, so that’s a big project for 2026, learning to do it all myself. My photobook collection has really expanded this year too. I’ve also been able to travel more than usual, both personally and professionally, and so have put in more time on the longer term project I’ve been working on based in New York.
How have you been using your prizes? And which has been your favourite to use?
All of them have been brilliant, but the film from Kodak has got to be the favourite. Film can feel like a luxury these days, and being able to shoot as freely as I have, without worrying about the cost, has been an absolute dream. I’ve also been really happy with the developing and scanning from Analogue Wonderland, they’ve been an absolute pleasure to send my film to, every step of the way.
Do you have any advice for this year’s entrants?
Share pictures that make people feel joy. If you can make the judges happy when they’re looking at your images, you’re in with a good shot. Also try to build a varied portfolio. My images from last year were mostly street, but I made a point of including some travel and portraits as well.
See our guidance for putting together a successful photography portfolio here
What are your photography goals for 2026?
In 2025 I was super focused on projects and travel, from the New York work, to the new zine A Show Of Hands I’ve been working on the last few months. So for 2026, I really just want to get back to focusing on the process of photographing on the street in London every weekend, and just trying to get better. Shooting without a specific goal in mind is more fun to me, I think anyway.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Winning this award, and the prizes that came with it, contributed to me having the best year of my life, so a massive thanks to AP Magazine and everyone who chose me. I’m so excited to see the work that comes out of this year’s awards, and congratulations to the next UK Film Photographer of the Year.
Instagram: @cal_holland
Website: www.calholland.com
- Cast your vote in our Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
- Film photographers – Enter the UK Film Photographer of the Year competition now to win over £4k in prizes!
- Make entering this FREE night photography competition a new year’s resolution!
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