I’m Over the Moon: Two of My Images Selected as Finalists for Image of the Year!

I still can’t quite believe I’m writing this. When I opened the email from The Guild of Photographers, my heart started racing – and it just kept getting better. Not one, but TWO of my wedding images have been selected as finalists for the Guild of Photographers Image of the Year Competition!

For those who aren’t familiar, this is one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the UK. The Guild attracts around 9,000 entries each year from incredibly talented photographers, both here and internationally. The standard is absolutely staggering – every month I look at the award-winning images and feel inspired to push myself further.

What Makes This So Special

To give you some context, making it through the monthly competitions is tough enough. But to have an image selected as one of just 10 finalists in a category for the end-of-year competition? That’s something else entirely. These are chosen from all the exceptional images submitted throughout the entire year.

Guild Director Lesley Thirsk said it perfectly: “To have an image recognised by the Guild in the monthly competition is difficult enough, so to have an image selected as being one of the best in a category for the end of year Final is without doubt an incredible achievement.”

When I found out, I honestly couldn’t believe it. I’ve worked so hard on developing my photography over the years, and entering these competitions is part of that journey. It pushes me to think differently, to challenge myself, and to constantly improve my craft.

Captured at One of My Favourite Venues

Both images were taken at Allerton Castle, which holds a special place in my heart. It’s one of those venues that never fails to inspire me – the dramatic architecture, the stunning grounds, and the way light filters through those magnificent spaces. I’m honoured to be one of their recommended photographers.

There’s something magical about photographing weddings at historic venues like Allerton Castle. The building itself tells a story, and my job is to weave that into each couple’s unique love story. These two particular images captured moments that felt completely authentic – exactly the kind of storytelling wedding photography I’ve built my reputation on.

The Competition That Keeps Me Sharp

I am a bit of a photo geek, to be honest. I love the technical side of photography just as much as the creative side. That’s why I regularly enter the Guild of Photographers competition – it’s not just about winning awards (though that’s lovely!). It’s about constantly challenging myself to be better.

Every month, I see images that make me stop and think, “How did they achieve that?” or “What a brilliant perspective!” It’s that continuous learning and inspiration that helps me deliver the best possible images to my couples.

The competition drives photography standards forward month after month. When you’re surrounded by that level of excellence, it naturally raises your own game. You start seeing light differently, composing scenes more thoughtfully, and capturing moments with greater intention.

What Happens Next?

The big reveal happens on February 7th, 2026, at the Guild’s spectacular Awards Gala evening. I’ll be there to celebrate this achievement alongside other incredibly talented photographers, and to find out if either of my images takes the top spot in their category.

Honestly, just being selected as a finalist is already beyond my expectations. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see what happens at the gala!

Why This Matters to You

If you’re planning your wedding and researching Yorkshire wedding photographers, these kinds of industry recognitions give you confidence that you’re working with someone who’s committed to excellence. But more importantly, they show that I’m constantly working to refine my skills and deliver the very best for every couple.

Awards are wonderful, but what really matters to me is the reaction I get from couples when they see their wedding images for the first time. Those tears of joy, that excitement as they relive their day through the photographs – that’s what drives me.

This finalist position is validation that my approach to wedding photography – natural, unobtrusive, focused on authentic moments – resonates not just with couples but with industry experts too.

Thank You

I have to say a massive thank you to all the couples who’ve trusted me to document their special days over the years. Every wedding teaches me something new, and every couple brings their own unique energy and love story. You all inspire me to keep improving.

Thanks also to the incredible venues I work with, like Allerton Castle, who create such beautiful spaces for me to work in. And of course, to The Guild of Photographers for running such a prestigious and inspiring competition.

I’m incredibly proud of this achievement and excited to see what the future holds. Here’s to pushing creative boundaries, capturing authentic moments, and making memories last forever!

If you’d like to discuss your wedding photography or see more of my work, please get in touch – I’d love to hear from you.

Ben

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Guild of Photographers Image of the Year Competition?

The Guild of Photographers Image of the Year Competition is one of the UK’s most prestigious photography competitions, attracting approximately 9,000 entries annually from talented photographers worldwide. Judges select only 10 images per category from all monthly competition winners throughout the year to advance to the final.

How many photographers reach the Image of the Year final?

Only the very best images from the entire year are selected as finalists, with no more than 10 images per category making it through. These are chosen from all the monthly competition winners across 12 months of submissions from thousands of photographers.

Where were the finalist images taken?

Both of Ben’s finalist images were captured at Allerton Castle in North Yorkshire, a Grade I listed Gothic revival stately home. Ben is a recommended photographer at this prestigious wedding venue.

When will the Image of the Year winners be announced?

The Guild of Photographers will announce the overall winners at their Awards Gala evening on February 7th, 2026, where finalists will celebrate their achievements and discover who has won each category.

What other photography awards has Ben Cumming won?

Ben Cumming has been voted Top 10 Photographer of the Year by The Guild of Photographers, earned Flash Masters Gold Award Winner status, and achieved Qualified Guild of Photographers Professional status – a distinction held by only approximately 350 people in the UK.

What is Ben Cumming’s photography style?

Ben specialises in storytelling wedding photography with a documentary-style approach, influenced by his father’s career as a film director. His work focuses on capturing natural, authentic moments and emotions throughout wedding celebrations in an unobtrusive, relaxed manner.

Which Yorkshire wedding venues does Ben Cumming work with?

Ben is recommended by leading Yorkshire venues including Allerton Castle, Waterton Park Hotel, Goldsborough Hall, Manor House Lindley, Oulton Hall, and The Priest’s House. He has over 10 years of experience photographing weddings across North, West, and South Yorkshire.