THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF AMPLIFY IS PART OF THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2023 

[London, 27 June 2023] Abbey Road Studios today announces the return of its Amplify festival on Wednesday 5 July, with a special edition that is part of the recently announced Abbey Road Studios Music Photography Awards 2023. Abbey Road Amplify is the studios’ flagship festival of workshops and masterclasses for young people aspiring to a career in music, and this is the first edition to focus solely on music photography. Tickets for the event on 5 July are free and available via ballot, and it will be livestreamed on Abbey Road’s YouTube channel and the MPAs website. 

The day-long Amplify event, held in the iconic Studio Three will cover various aspects of music photography, providing the next generation of music photographers with insights, experiences and essential advice from panellists including MPA judges Rankin and Vicky Grout, alongside Jordan Curtis Hughes, Dean Chalkley, Charlotte Patmore, Ashley Verse and Dave Hogan. The panel discussions will include a wide range of topics, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of music photography from different perspectives. The panel topics include:

Starting Out: This panel will explore the journey of any aspiring music photographers, providing valuable tips, tricks and advice on building a successful career in the field. Music photographers including Dean Chalkley, last year’s MPA Undiscovered Award winner Joe Puxley and Martyna Bannister will share their personal stories and offer guidance to those looking to make their mark in music photography.

The Art of Music Photography: This panel will delve into the artistic side of music photography, discussing techniques, approaches and the creative vision behind capturing memorable and evocative images of musicians and live performances. Panellists include Charlotte Patmore, Ashley Verse, Vicky Grout, DeShaun Craddock and Andy Cotterill and the panel will be moderated by musician, turned-award winning author Daniel Rachel.

Capturing Live Music: This panel will focus on the challenges and rewards of photographing live music events. From concert halls to festivals, seasoned photographers will share their experiences and insights, highlighting the techniques they employ to capture the energy, excitement, and essence of live music performances. Panellists include Jordan Curtis Hughes, Dave Hogan, Eljay Briss, Sacha Lecca and Phoebe Fox and it will be hosted by former NME and Q Magazine Picture Editor Marian Paterson. 

The Business of Music Photography: Being a music photographer also requires a solid understanding of the business perspective of the industry. This panel will offer insight and guidance regarding negotiating fees and contracts, managing licensing and copyright, marketing and promotion, and effectively managing finances. Panellists include photographic agent and photographer Tabatha Fireman and New York Times Deputy Photo Editor Nakyung Han, hosted by photographer and director Danny North.

The event will also feature an exclusive ‘In Conversation’ session with iconic photographer and co-founder of the MPAs, Rankin, moderated by London based art writer and curator Francesca Gavin. Rankin’s legendary images capture the essence of musicians and celebrities with his distinctive style. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to hear about Rankin’s experiences, insights and creative process in photographing the world of music.

Speaking about this year’s Amplify x MPAs event, Abbey Road’s Head of Brand & Communications, Mark Robertson, says: “Amplify was designed to inspire and empower young talent entering the industry, so I’m thrilled that we’re able to present a dedicated event in support of our Music Photography Awards.  Thanks to participation of some incredible talent and experts, this will be an essential event, offering invaluable insights and inspiration to photographers of all levels.” 

Designed to celebrate the art of music photography and elevate talent across the globe, the MPAs 2023 will recognise the previous year’s most memorable photos, the unsung music moments and the photographers who captured them. The winners will be unveiled and celebrated at an official ceremony on Thursday 21 September at Abbey Road. 

In addition to Lead Judge, Rankin, the judging panel includes award-winning singer-songwriter Cat Burns, innovative photographer Vicky Grout, leading stylist and consultant Karen Binns (Wizkid & Tori Amos), singer-songwriter and kitchen disco icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor, US photographer and winner of 2022’s MPA Icon Award, Eric Johnson, stylist and creative director Matthew Josephs (FKA Twigs), British pop singer and songwriter Mae Muller and New York Times Deputy Photo Editor Nakyung Han. This esteemed panel will nominate, debate and ultimately award these categories – each bringing their own unique expertise to the table. The invited categories are Portrait, Editorial, Artist at Work and Icon. Abbey Road Studios photographer in residence Simon Wheatley will join the judging panel for the Underground Scenes category. This year’s MPAs shortlisting panel comprises Sacha Lecca (Rolling Stone Magazine US and 2022 MPAs Judge), alongside photographers Yana Yatsuk (winner of the 2022 Portrait Award) and DeShaun Craddock (finalist in the 2022 Zeitgeist category). 

Abbey Road Studios have also today revealed details of its upcoming Skills Hub programme, a new online initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering the next generation of music photographers. The Skills Hub will provide a comprehensive platform for aspiring talent to learn from industry professionals and develop their creative skills all from the comfort of their homes. Through a series of video Q&As, workshops & masterclasses from legends like Rankin and Henry Diltz, Sacha Lecca, Vicky Grout and many more, participants will have access to guidance, knowledge and tips from the very best in the business.