Thames Lens 2023 Winners Announced

Between June 2023 and the end of January 2024, we received over 400 entries into the competition across 6 categories. We asked photographers to respond to the themes of ‘Architecture’, ‘Landscape’, ‘Nature’, ‘Working River’, ‘People and the River’ and ‘Illuminated River’. Resulting in wonderful reflections of individuals’ personal relationships with the Thames. Winners in the six categories were judged by representatives of Thames Festival Trust, Port of London Authority and the Illuminated River Foundation. 

“Judging the Thames Lens photography competition is an annual highlight. Congratulations to all the winners because this year the quality of submissions was excellent. Perhaps this is down to the Thames’ power to inspire, something it has been doing for thousands of years. What an amazing river!” Adrian Evans CVO, Thames Festival Trust, Director 

“It’s fascinating to see the Thames through others’ eyes, with each of the winning photographs offering such a different perspective.The tidal Thames means so much to so many people, including to all our PLA colleagues who voted on their favourite entry. Congratulations to each of the winners and thank you for offering your unique insight on a river we know so well.” Siân Foster, PLA’s Director of Corporate Affairs 

"The Thames has inspired countless generations of artists, from painters to poets, and now, photographers. It's no surprise our river has appeals to so many creatives' - it is the heart of the city, flanked and crossed as it is by many architectural landmarks of London. It can evoke memory, hope, wonder as it winds its way through the city, as majestic in the daytime as it is striking at night. As such, it has been an absolute pleasure to judge the entries to the Thames Lens 2023 award categories. I am grateful to all who entered and shared their impressions of the Thames with us." Sarah Gaventa, Illuminated River Foundation, Director.

Winner: Golden Hour by Jonathan Rees

Runner up: One Blackfriars by Philip Trew

Winner: La vie en Rose in Richmond by Ingrid Demaerschalk

Runner up: Here Comes The Sun by John Johnston

Winner: The Coming Storm by Luke Sampson

Runner up: Morning Discussion by Kitsinelis Panagiotis

Winner: Working River by Ian Ruffles

Runner up: Protecting the River by John Pahl

Winner: Thames Stories by Giacomo Mason

Runner up: Clearing the Air by Todd Prescott

Winner: Reflections at Blackfriars by Carina Brooker

Runner up: The Poetry of Calm and Fury by Jesús Díez García

More information can be found here.