LONDON.- The Association of Photographers has unveiled the work of finalists of its 38th Photography Awards in association with Hahnemühle, with the judges commenting on the extremely strong quality of the entries, from capturing special moments in sport to crafting sensitive portraits.

AOP CEO Isabelle Doran commented: "It's like opening a surprise gift box of delights, you're not sure what you're going to get but when you open it up you find a delightful myriad of visual treasures. This year's finalists and winners are a delicious treat for the eyes. We’re also genuinely thrilled to have Hahnemühle's support for our 38th AOP Photography Awards, as our headline sponsor. There is a natural synergy between our photographers, who use Hahnemühle's high quality sustainable Digital FineArt paper, and the brand, focusing on the physical expression and authenticity of human endeavour and photographic creativity, which is particularly significant at this moment in time."

In judging the sports section, Sport England's Dr Rashmi Becker MBE said; "I was encouraged by the diversity represented in this year’s images, in the sports category. Different bodies are captured during a variety of physical activities with strong visual narratives of grit, passion and play.”

National Portrait Gallery Curator, Eva Eicker said; “Judging this year’s category of portraiture was a pleasure and I was also impressed by the themes as well as the captured sensitivity in the portraits. The different approaches provided an important glimpse into people’s life. To me, it’s important about what constitutes a good portrait as well as to provide a different perspective during these difficult times.”

And Family (& Friends) Creative Director, Alex Durbridge said of the Food and Drink category: “A delicious selection of images and a joy to judge. Not just for the mouth-watering appeal, but for the storytelling we saw too. I particularly loved our Gold Award winner for its cheeky and playful decadence.”

There were 914 entries by 732 photographers this year, including both still and moving entries. The number of finalists in each category are: Food & Drink 10; Documentary 13; Lifestyle 11; Environment 14; Fashion & Beauty 9; Sport 8; Project 6; Portrait 15; Still Life & Object 8; and Spaces (new category) 13.

The Gold and Silver winners of each category, along with those for the AOP Open Award, will be announced live at the AOP Awards Showcase Evening on Thursday 28 September at an event in Shoreditch, London from 7:00-11:00pm.