2025 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN For residents of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea & Westminster
In partnership with Young K&C
In 2019, Alison Jackson launched A Day in Your Life, a transformative photography competition and workshop program designed to nurture and celebrate emerging creative talent from underrepresented communities, including minority groups and individuals living with disabilities.
The project’s aim is to engage and inspire creativity, provide access to essential skills, and include participants who may face barriers such as marginalization, isolation, or mental health challenges. By offering training, education, work placements, and career opportunities, the initiative seeks to empower participants to explore their creative potential, celebrate their unique talents, and open rewarding pathways to jobs in the creative industries and beyond.
About the Competition
A DAY IN YOUR LIFE with YOUNG LOCAL ARTISTS’ Photography Competition, Workshops, and Exhibition
Open to anyone aged five and up, A Day in Your Life offers free photography workshops, mentorships, and work placements, giving young creatives a platform to express themselves and explore careers in the arts. Supported by generous sponsors, the program promotes mental health, builds confidence, and strengthens community bonds. Participants’ work is showcased in prestigious venues like Cadogan Hall and the Saatchi Gallery, with many going on to earn scholarships, modeling contracts, and professional gigs. The annual exhibition and awards ceremony draws over 900 young photographers and celebrates their achievements with prizes like cameras, courses, and access to top sports venues. Workshops are held across local youth clubs, schools, and community centers, and now also include adult participants, highlighting photography’s power to connect, heal, and inspire. “Everyone should have a chance to shine. The reason I started this photography competition was to ensure that everyone has access to the same fantastic opportunities I experienced within The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, particularly the outstanding education that can lead to so much more. These prizes are primarily educational and vocational. There is so much talent out there, and I want to give a chance to those who haven’t had one before. I want to discover new talent and aspiring photographers with fresh ‘ways of seeing.’”
– Alison Jackson, Founder
The photographs are available for sale on Saatchi Art Online. site
“I want to support young and aspiring photographers living in Kensington & Chelsea, with prizes that are educational and vocational."
INTRODUCTION
We have prizes for 5-12 YEARS, 13-18 YEARS, 19-30 YEARS, and 31+ YEARS (as it's never too early or late to pick up a new hobby). Winners could receive a brand new cameras, short courses from the University of the Arts, vouchers, memberships, and other fantastic experiences.
This is open to any person interested in photography, from any skill level.
Categories and Prizes
Primary Prizes by Category:
5–8 Years
• Winner: Brand-new digital camera
• 2nd Place: Instax camera
8–12 Years
• Winner: Brand-new digital camera
• 2nd Place: Instax camera
13–18 Years
• Winner: Brand-new digital camera
• 2nd Place: Instax camera
Special Prizes
Chelsea Physic Garden Prize
• Winner: Brand-new digital camera
• 2nd Place: Instax camera
Young Adult Prize (19–30 Years)
• Winner: Instax camera
• 2nd Place: Instax camera
Adult Prize (31+ Years)
• Winner: Instax camera
UAL Short Courses
Winners will have access to a short course of their choice from UAL (online or in-person, valued up to £600). Judges will consider participants’ backgrounds, as provided in their applications, to ensure the prizes go to those most in need of these opportunities.
The Alison Jackson Prize (For Participants with Disabilities)
• Winner: A photography workshop with top creatives. Work one-on-one with Alison Jackson and her team to conduct your own photoshoot, gaining invaluable tutoring and technical support.
Are you ready?