Bradford Teenager Wins Award from Royal Photographic Society

Local photographer recognised for visual storytelling in youth category

A 15-year-old Bradford photographer, Muhammad Ibrahim Butt, has been awarded by The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) for his work created during a community photography project. The award was presented at a ceremony attended by RPS officials, photographers, and Muhammad’s family.

Details of the Award and Ceremony

Muhammad Ibrahim Butt, who will turn 16 in July, received the Youth Category Winner trophy and certificate in the Youth Engagement Awards. These awards are overseen by the Visual Art Group of the RPS special interest groups and judged by a panel of Fellows of The Royal Photographic Society.

The award presentation was made by Simon Hill Hon FRPS, President of The Royal Photographic Society. He highlighted the significance of Muhammad’s work, noting its originality, confidence, and compelling visual storytelling. Hill remarked that the images offer a thoughtful and authentic reflection of Bradford through the perspective of young people.

The Click & Connect Project

Muhammad’s photography was part of the Click & Connect project, delivered by the Bradford City FC Community Foundation. The project involved a series of workshops led by local photographer Shy Burhan, focusing on various photographic techniques, including heritage exploration, shooting styles, symbolism, and creative uses of reflections and shadows.

• Workshops included sessions on heritage and different photography genres
• Participants took part in photography walks around Bradford and nearby areas such as Manningham, Salts Mill, Bolling Hall, Haworth, and a journey on the Worth Valley Steam Train
• The project aimed to engage young people creatively and connect them with their surroundings

Shy Burhan commented on the project, expressing satisfaction with the development of the young photographers and congratulating Muhammad on his recognition.

Additional Recognition and Future Plans

Pavan Sembi, Head of Community Engagement and Inclusion at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, also received commendations for her role in the exhibition. She emphasised the importance of the project in encouraging young people to express themselves creatively.

Further recognition for the young photographers will come with the publication of a photography book titled Bradford Through Our Eyes. Supported by the Northern Community Fund and edited by Pavan Sembi, the book will showcase the Click & Connect exhibition and introduce readers to the photographers behind the images. The book is scheduled for release later this year.

About The Royal Photographic Society

The Royal Photographic Society is an educational charity dedicated to promoting photography. Established during the early days of photography, it is now a global photographic community committed to making photography accessible to all.