Interview with Becky Sampson from the United Kingdom

I've always loved photography, but it was only at Christmas 2023, when my partner bought me a Canon DSLR, that I began taking my photography seriously. I'm so grateful for the camera - it was the get-up-and-go I needed to realise a dream I've harboured for a long time!

I have never formally studied photography - however, I do attend events run by the London School of Photography, which are held regularly and help me explore my camera and different ways of taking images.

I have no idea what my first shot would have been - probably something with a Polaroid when I was a kid! The first shot I remember being proud of was a bright pink tree in Seville on a school trip. The hue of the leaves against a cloudless blue sky made it a really eye-catching image.

I have a Canon EOS 4000d and 2 lenses - a 'standard' one and a 100-300mm one - though I'm saving up for more as I hone in on my photography.

Ever since I was a child, it has always been my ambition to be a photographer for the National Geographic. I love the images within those hallowed pages and have been an avid reader of them for the last few decades. It's only now that I'm beginning to realise that, if I work hard enough, this could be a possibility. It would be an absolute dream come true if I one day got my work in the National Geographic.

A lot of my friends and colleagues have asked if they can buy some of my photos for their walls - that's an amazing feeling, to know that what you've produced is good enough for someone to want to look at every day in their home.

I love seeing the world from different angles, not just the 'norm'. I enjoy capturing the energy of a moment, or something ordinary but out of place. The world around me is what I take inspiration from; I will go out with an idea of what I want to shoot but often return with photos of extraordinary moments in the most bland of places.

Urban, unusual, and unique.

I am thrilled to have been picked as a winner of the London Photography Awards. I entered three photos - and all three got prizes. Having my photography recognised by a panel of judges is an incredible feeling - I couldn't stop smiling for days and rang everyone I know!

Knowing my photography is worthy of a prize also gives me all the more motivation to continue with my passion and take it to the next level.

I entered three photos - one which is the chefs at work in a restaurant, it has this incredible energy about it. The main chef is staring straight at the camera while the other two work behind; delicious-looking curries create a striking colour combination with the marbled green work surface and lighting behind.

The second image is of a window cleaner abseiling down a building - but in the background is the iconic Shard. As the window cleaner kicked off the building the Shard was positioned perfectly so that it looked like he was tip-toeing up on it; it was a spur-of-the-moment image and very much a right place, right time shot.

The one I'm most proud of is The final picture which was on the London underground, on an elevator. A guy in front of me was wearing a jacket which said 'Elevated' on the back of it. I loved the irony and took the shot. The lines of the tunnel in the elevator and the lighting make this a pleasing image.

I'm about to find out! As I'm only just starting out in my photography career, it has been a huge confidence boost to have verification that my photos are worthy of an award.

I have of course put the LPA on my website, and hope to continue taking shots that not only I can be proud of, but that will make people stop, think, and enjoy. I'd love my images to be published or in a gallery one day.

My uncle - Bruce Sampson. I laughed and said I was following in his footsteps, as we have both worked as archaeologists too.

Annabel Moeller - we used to know each other well although we lost contact a few years back. However, she recently had her work exhibited at The Royal Albert Hall in London, which is an incredible achievement.

Steve McCurry. His photo 'The Afghan Girl' of Sharbat Gula took my breath away when I first saw it. The colours, her staring straight at the camera and reaching into your soul - it's an incredible image and one which inspired me to want to take up photography.

When photographing moving objects, keep snapping - don't stop to look at what you've taken as the action will pass you by.

Pick up a camera and see what happens - you never know where it's going to take you.

I think my key to success is listening and learning to advice - but also carving out my own style.