The 2021 AMB Photo Awards presented by Shimano are expanding, thanks to a record amount of entries and interaction in 2020. We've looked over feedback from readers and entrants, and are aiming to keep the competition's scope very broad, while keeping an eye on inclusivity as well.

There will be four main categories. Each will have a winner, second and third place as voted by readers on a microsite from a short list put together by a judging panel. There will be an overall winner for the most complete portfolio, selected by a judging panel. To encourage younger photographers we will have a youth category – based on being under 20. This will be a one off image submitted in any of the categories. This winner will also be chosen by public voting from a short list selected by our judges.

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Categories

Action

We are always looking for the big action shots. The photo that grabs attention on Instagram, or lands on a magazine cover, or headlines a major story. This kind of photo is high on action with sharp focus on the rider, with either a setting or position that captures and holds your attention. It's typical that an action photo will have a rider filling a lot of the frame. An action photo is the most common type of photo any of us will take. a winning photo in the Action category will take getting a lot of things just right. From the rider, the lighting, time of day, the trail, the rider's position on the trail or in the air, and of course the final editing by the photographer.

This category is supported by Pirelli

Next Generation

2020 saw a huge increase in young riders getting onto the trails, adding to the growth of mountain biking that has occurred over the recent years. With more younger riders on the trails than ever, this category is about showcasing that. This is really open for you to interpret. We'd love to see parents taking their kids on the trails, or young groms out shredding together and sessioning their local jump line. Or it could be anywhere inbetween. This is still a photo competition, so capturing just the right moment that shows to the joy of mountain biking for the next generation is what we're looking for.

Women in AMB

Mountain biking is diverse and we want to ensure that it continues to be so. Women have been underrepresented in the photography of the AMB Photography Awards, and that doesn't match who we see riding and ripping the trails. This category can cover who is in front of, or who is behind lens, but we want this category to encourage a broader representation of who makes up our sport. Make it fun, make it inspiring, and make it inclusive.

This category is supported by Trek Bikes

Travel

We might all be riding a little closer to home over the past year, but 2021 has got to be the year to finally head out on the mountain bike road trip you've always talked about. This category is about capturing the moments that make road trips memorable. Be it post-ride at the trail head, loading bikes and reliving the ride. Or maybe it's loading up and heading off on your dream trip – or even shredding with mates during the golden hour. Your photo needs to remind us how it feels to be on holidays, with your only concern being where to ride next with your mates.

This category is supported by Shingleback Bike Racks

Action

This category is supported by Pirelli

Next Generation

Women in AMB

This category is supported by Trek Bikes

Travel

This category is supported by Shingleback Bike Racks

Photographer of the Year

This is the big one! To win the overall title you need to blow our judges away with your portfolio of four images, one from each category: Action, Next Generation, Women in AMB, and Travel. You can enter more than one portfolio, but we really recommend making sure you have one that is the best of the best!

$3000 + A SHIMANO XTR M9100 GROUP SET

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Young Photographer of the Year

For this one, we're looking for your best photo from a photographer who is under 20 during the competition period. It can be from any category: Action, Next Generation, Women in AMB, or Travel. You can enter more than once.

SHIMANO DEORE XT M8100 GROUP SET

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Meet the judges

Mike Blewitt

AMB’s long-standing editor. Mike is an avid photographic enthusiast, a passion that has grown from sourcing and selecting some of the spectacular imagery that features strongly in AMB. And having ridden his bike in stunning locations all over the world, he is well placed to discern which photos tell the perfect story of an exciting adventure enjoyed on two wheels.
Tim Bardsley-Smith

One of Australia’s most talented photographers. More often found in the field than behind a desk, Tim has traversed the globe shooting World Cups and EWS rounds for years. Australia is his home, though, and you will just as often see him on the trail sides of a national round or deep in the bushes on some obscure line. With years of photographic expertise, Tim was a clear pick for a judge in this competition.
Kristina Vackova

Not only did Kristina win the Local Shooter category in the 2019 AMB Photography Awards, but she also scored a cover shot for Issue #182 with her feature from the Yakru Enduro in Nepal. The photo awards put Kristina on our radar, but she is a highly accomplished photographer and designer, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for perfection.

F.A.Q’S

View the 2021 AMB Photo Awards Terms and Conditions

Can I enter more than one photo in each category?

Yes you can. You can enter each category as many times as you like. You can also submit multiple portfolios for the AMB Photographer of the Year, but we would recommend picking your best shot in each category to form a single portfolio.
How do I enter Photographer of the Year?

Visit the Entry page and upload a shot in each of the 4 categories, along with a location and caption for each image. At the bottom of the page there will then be a tick box available to also submit these four shots as a portfolio entry for the AMB Photographer of the Year. Make sure this box is selected before you click ‘Submit My Entry’.
How does the judging of Photographer of the Year work?

Our panel of nominated judges will review all entries and select the winner & finalists of the Photographer of the Year category. The winner will be deemed as the photographer who has shown the highest degree of technical and creative ability across the four different categories.
How do I enter the Young Photographer category?

You'll be required to select whether you want to be considered for this category when uploading an image. You need to be under 20 at the end of the competition on 16th September 2021.
How does the judging for Young Photographer work?

We make a shortlist with our judging panel, and then let the rest go to a public vote.
How does the public voting for the four individual categories work?

AMB Magazine staff will review all entries and select 12 finalists for each category. The 12 finalists for each category will then be displayed on our micro site https://photoawards.ambmag.com.au and the public will be able to vote on the best image in each category between 30th August and 16th September 2021. The winning image will be the one that receives the most votes.
How will I be notified if I am a finalist?

You will be notified via email if you are a finalist for any category.
How will I be notified if I win?

You will be notified via email if you are the winner of any category.

When do entries close?

August 22nd 2021
Do the photos have to be from this year?

No, we understand that 2020 and 2021 haven't been kind to getting into the great outdoors and taking photos! Preference will be given to images shot over the last 12 months, and to images we haven't seen before. Get out and get creative.
Can I submit photos which I put forward for the 2020 photo awards?

If your image made a category shortlist or won a category last year, it will not be reconsidered for this year’s awards. You may re-submit images which were not shortlisted last year if you feel it is particularly relevant to one of the new categories for 2021, but preference will be given to new entries.
In what format do I need to supply my photos?

For best results, upload highest-quality JPEGs, with the longest side at a minimum of 1600 pixels. Maximum size is 2MB.
What size does my image need to be?

For best results, upload highest-quality JPEGs, sized a minimum of 1600 pixels on the longest side. Maximum size is 2MB. Note that finalists and winners will be called upon to submit high-resolution & RAW versions of shots if required.
Can I submit RAW files?

No you can’t.
What level of post-production is acceptable?

Basic image editing and colour corrections are allowed, i.e. brightness, contrast, sharpening, mood and temperature balance. Black and white is also acceptable.
If I submit images to the wrong category will I be disqualified?

No, you won’t be disqualified, but your image will be judged according to the entered category’s guidelines.

Categories

Photographer of the Year

Young Photographer of the Year

Meet the judges

Mike Blewitt

Tim Bardsley-Smith

Kristina Vackova

F.A.Q’S

View the 2021 AMB Photo Awards Terms and Conditions

Can I enter more than one photo in each category?

How do I enter Photographer of the Year?

How does the judging of Photographer of the Year work?

How do I enter the Young Photographer category?

How does the judging for Young Photographer work?

How does the public voting for the four individual categories work?

How will I be notified if I am a finalist?

How will I be notified if I win?

When do entries close?

Do the photos have to be from this year?

Can I submit photos which I put forward for the 2020 photo awards?

In what format do I need to supply my photos?

What size does my image need to be?

Can I submit RAW files?

What level of post-production is acceptable?

If I submit images to the wrong category will I be disqualified?

A FEW ENTRIES