Thank you to everyone who entered our London River’s Week Photography Competition in partnerships with Thames 21.
The overarching theme for 2026 is: “Know Your Local River”
Encouraging Londoners to identify, explore and connect with their nearest river.
London Rivers Week is organised by the London Rivers Week Steering Group on behalf of River Partnerships in London (RiPL). As part of the celebrations of London Rivers Week, we are launching a photography competition with the help of our friend London National Park City.
London Rivers Week is coordinated by Thames21, CPRE London, the Environment Agency, London Wildlife Trust, the South East Rivers Trust, the Thames Estuary Partnership, and ZSL.
Winners Prizes were kindly donated by FujiFilm UK
and the winners are...
Where We Meet the Water (Community and Connection)
Celebrate the many ways people connect with rivers, canals and wetlands. Share portraits, self-portraits or creative images that reflect your relationship with water, from cultural traditions and everyday rituals to personal moments of joy, rest or reflection. There are no rules here, only your vision. All styles and techniques welcome.
Focus: portraiture, self-expression, cultural identity, personal stories, creative and experimental photography, teamwork, hands-on conservation, environmental leadership, positive impact.
Winner - Simon King
Judge's comments
Michael : This was not only a strong composition but it’s full of so much energy
Liz: The image is exceptionally sharp and timeless, it could belong to almost any era, yet it completely works. It immediately sparks curiosity and draws you in, making you want to know the story behind what’s happening in the frame.
Charlie: The composition really draws you in and there’s a wonderful sense of energy and shared purpose.
The River Thames Through the Seasons
Capture how the river transforms across spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Explore changing light, weather, wildlife, vegetation and community life along the river throughout the year.
Focus: seasonal colours, migrating birds, frost or flooding, summer activity, quiet winter reflections.
winner - Karin Tearle
Judge's comments
Liz: The photography was stunning and beautifully composed. The vivid imagery captures the heron in a moment of deep focus, creating a striking wildlife scene by the river. An exceptional shot that perfectly balances atmosphere, timing, and natural beauty, truly worthy of a photography competition winner.
Charlie: There is a gorgeous moodiness and cosiness to the picture.
Michael: The warmth of this images is so inviting and the silhouette unmistakable.
Wild by the Water
Showcase the biodiversity and beauty found along rivers, wetlands and canals.
From striking landscapes to small, easily missed details, highlight the wildlife that
depends on healthy waterways.
Focus: birds, pollinators, aquatic life, plants, urban nature, surprising wildlife moments.
Winner - Elizabeth Salazar Guerra
Judge's comments
Liz: The image is exceptionally sharp and timeless, it could belong to almost any era, yet it completely works. It immediately sparks curiosity and draws you in, making you want to know the story behind what’s happening in the frame.
Charlie: You’ve captured a familiar scene of a coot’s cobbled salvage nest and transformed it into something approaching abstract art.
Michael : I love the composition of this one. The eye in drawn into a familiar but upsetting scene which still retains a sense of beauty and resilience.
Overall winner
Thank you to our judges Liz Gyekye, Charlie Nwanodi, Jack Thurgar and Michael Shilling and a final thank you to Leaside for hosting our awards evening.
