At the London Institute of Photography we’re incredibly proud of the successes of our Professional Photography Course alumni, whose talents and dedication make a real impact in the competitive world of photography. Today, we celebrate two of our graduates – Julia Hawkins and Ruth Samuels – who have recently won two of the most prestigious photography awards in the UK, bringing honour not only to themselves but also to one of the best photography schools in London.
Julia Hawkins: Winner of the Portrait of Britain Award 2024
Julia Hawkins, who graduated from our Professional Photography Course in London in 2020, has made a name for herself as an award-winning portrait photographer. Her ability to create emotionally intelligent portraits has earned her the prestigious Portrait of Britain Award, organised by the British Journal of Photography.
Julia’s recent work explores profound themes of connection and community, with her ongoing project on loneliness set to culminate in a portrait book, to be published by The School of Life in 2025. Reflecting on her time at LIoP, Julia describes the Professional Photography Course as an opportunity to opening up a new world of creative possibilities:
“It has been absolutely amazing doing the professional photography course at LIOP. It’s hard to put it into words but I feel like my brain has been rewired and a whole new world has opened up to me! Holger, the course director, puts a lot of care and attention into providing a really good experience for all the students. I thoroughly recommend doing this course.”
Julia’s achievement highlights how the London Institute of Photography helps students develop their personal style and professional identity through practical, real-world learning in the heart of London’s creative scene.
Ruth Samuels: Gold Award Winner, AOP Emerging Talent Awards 2024
Graduating from the Professional Photography Course in 2023, Ruth Samuels has already made an impressive mark on the photography world. Her Gold Award in the AOP Emerging Talent Awards is proof of her skill in capturing intimate, textured portraits that give a voice to the underrepresented. Ruth’s accolades also include being shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Photography Price, Portrait of Britain and an honourable mention in the Julia Margaret Cameron Awards.
Here’s what she says about her experience on the Professional Photography Course:
“The Professional Photography Course (PPC) at LIoP is honestly the most comprehensive and practically equipping course for anyone looking to become a professional photographer. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the UK. I constantly found that I was learning more than I expected, and the course design really enables each student to explore and gain practical experience in the most sought after areas of photography, and set them up for professional practice in whichever area they choose to focus. […] I’m so happy that I took the leap and signed up for PPC. It has really put me in the best position to move forward in the world of photography with confidence”
The Role of Mentoring in Crafting Visual Style and Narrative
An essential feature of the Professional Photography Course is its personalised Mentoring Sessions, which are critical in helping students to develop their unique visual style and narrative and prepare them for the market. Through one-on-one guidance, students explore their creative identities, receive tailored feedback and gain the confidence to excel in their chosen fields.
This mentoring approach is one of the reasons the London Institute of Photography is recognised as one of the best photography schools in London, offering practical and creative development unmatched by traditional university programmes.
Congratulations, Julia and Ruth—you’ve made us all incredibly proud!
