Barnsley College students and alumni are celebrating success in the Barnsley Young Photographers Award, with several current and former students recognised by the judges.

In the age 16 to 21 post-secondary education category, current Level 3 Creative Media Production - Photography students Jake Richardson and Max Worrall were both awarded Commended for their submissions, highlighting the strength of emerging talent developing through the course.

Fellow student Chloe Hunter received Highly Commended, recognising the quality and creativity of her photographic work among a strong field of entrants.

Chloe said: “Having my work included in the Barnsley Young Photographers Award was amazing. I honestly didn’t expect to receive an award, so I was really pleased when I found out I had been recognised.

“The work I submitted was inspired by my personal experiences with family and life, and how those experiences have shaped who I am today. It reflects things like working through my parents’ break-up and the impact that had on my mental health. Studying photography at College has really helped me develop my creative practice and explore these kinds of ideas, particularly looking at emotion and how I express that through my work.”

Current Level 4 Film and Television Higher National Certificate student, Olivia Clifford, was awarded Commended for her submissions into the graduate or emerging professional category.

Olivia said: “I felt incredibly proud to have my work recognised in the Barnsley Young Photographers Award. Seeing my photos selected was like a dream come true. Photography has always been a passion of mine, so knowing my work has been displayed in a professional gallery is a phenomenal feeling.

“The photographs I submitted were inspired by my personal journey and family legacy. One captured North Elmsall Church, where my step-grandparents were married and who have always been an important part of my life. Another was taken on the stairs at Barnsley College University Centre, which symbolise the journey I am on and the future I am building through my studies. The third was of the cenotaph in Conisbrough, which made me reflect on my great-grandfather’s service in the Second World War and the role my family history has played in shaping who I am today.

“Studying at Barnsley College University Centre has helped me develop my creative practice immensely. The technical skills I’ve learned gave me the tools to capture the photographs I submitted, and the support from my tutors, peers and family has encouraged me to keep pushing myself and growing as a photographer.”

The awards also saw success for a former student. Jack Pearce, who studied photography at the College two years ago, was awarded First Place in the same category. Jack, who was previously recognised in the competition last year, continues to develop his practice and is currently studying Level 5 Photography at Sheffield Hallam University.

The recognition across the categories reflects the continued success of students and graduates progressing in photography, with their work standing out among submissions from across the region.

All shortlisted and winning photographers will have their work exhibited at Barnsley’s first dedicated photography festival, held in the IN FRAME 3 exhibition at Barnsley Civic from 21 February to 25 April 2026.