Celebrating Recognition: Hero of Photography Award

Amateur Photographer Magazine Editor Nigel Atherton presenting Paul Ryan with the Hero of Photography Award.

Discussing receiving an award might seem a bit like bragging, yet it's crucial to highlight accomplishments. Such awards aren't an annual occurrence, so I must seize the opportunity to showcase our work.

I am proud to announce that our efforts are gaining recognition. This acknowledgment is especially significant because it comes from an organisation outside the homelessness charity or social enterprise sector.

A Special Guest

I had the opportunity to invite a guest to the ceremony. After talking it over with Cafe Art co-founder Michael Wong, we concluded that choosing a project participant would be ideal. Wayne Chin was the clear selection. He shared his story in the Unseen City short film last year. Wayne is both a participant in MYLONDON and a member of the Cafe Art RPS Photography Mentoring Group.

Our Journey with Amateur Photographer

Our relationship with Amateur Photographer has been strong since 2014. Chris Cheesman, one of their editors, first agreed to judge our second annual contest. He did it again in 2015. His article about our project went viral internationally. This attention led to many online supporters who ordered the 2016 MYLONDON calendar. Ten years later, many of these international buyers continue to support us. Their backing has made a huge difference in our journey.

In addition to fulfilling our mission of connecting people through photography with the annual MYLONDON contest, we also hold weekly RPS mentoring sessions. One of our goals is to pay photographers through prize money and sales earnings. Since 2014, we have distributed over £300,000 in this manner.

Gratitude to Our Supporters

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the MYLONDON buyers, from London, the rest of the UK, and internationally. Your support has been invaluable to us.

Paul Ryan, CEO MYWORLD with Hero of Photography Award

Paul and Wayne at the ceremony

Paul Ryan and Wayne Chin

Acknowledging Contributions

I want to express my gratitude to many people who have supported me throughout this journey. Thank you, Michael Wong, Mathew Diamond, Nikhil Srinivasan, David Chene, Pierre Bour, Homeless Link, and Crisis. I am also thankful for the trustees at MYWORLD Creative Projects.

Additionally, I appreciate Fujifilm UK for providing disposable QuickSnap cameras since 2013. They also supplied digital cameras free of charge in 2015 and continued to offer discounts and free extras in 2024. I’d also like to thank Jessops, St Mungo's, The Connection at St Martin's in the Fields, the mentors from the RPS Cafe Art Mentoring Group, and the many volunteers who have contributed over the years. Last but not least, thank you to the photographers who inspire us every day.

This celebration is not just for me. It’s a collective recognition of everyone involved. Together, we are making a difference through photography.