MANCHESTER.- Neil Shearer has been awarded the prestigious title of The Societies of Photographers Advertising Photographer of the Year 2024, standing out among photographers from around the globe in a fierce competition.

The accolade was granted following a thorough review of over 600 images submitted to the print competition. A distinguished panel of industry experts, each with extensive experience, meticulously selected the winners.

Colin Jones, CEO of The Societies of Photographers, expressed his admiration for the exceptional quality of entries, stating, “This year we have seen a fantastic range of images, and the standard has been extremely high. The Photographer of the Year Awards represent some of the finest images entered the competition and have competed against some of the world’s best photographers. Congratulations to all our winners.”

Title of the Winning Photograph: Balance

Neil Shearer's winning photograph, titled "Balance," captures a unique narrative inspired by conversations with the commissioning client. Commissioned to produce four images on the subject of balance, each featuring a rare pair of Nike trainers, for the winning image Neil used a pair of Nike x Off White Air Force 1’s. Neil seamlessly blended his photography expertise with backgrounds he carefully created using 3D software. The final composition reflects not only technical prowess but a thoughtful balance between the digital and physical realms.

Neil Shearer, a Manchester-based photographer, has been at the forefront of commercial photography for over a decade. Specializing in still life sneaker images and advertising shots of athletes for prominent brands, Neil's portfolio is a testament to his diverse skills and creative vision. With a successful track record spanning more than 10 years, Neil has become a trusted name in the industry. His commitment to excellence has earned him previous awards, particularly in the field of advertising and dance photography. Neil currently holds a Fellowship in Illustrative photography, a qualification gained by less than 2% of photographer in the UK.

Neil Shearer expresses his gratitude, saying, "This is a huge honour for me to be recognized for the work I do day in, day out for my clients. This particular piece of work is a favourite of mine from last year. I am very lucky to have clients who trust my vision and creativity."

Damian McGillicuddy, internationally accredited judge says “Innovation, meets craft, meets imagination. To see such a well-crafted, client centric image warms my heart, in a world that can often be bland, grey and the same, this certainly stands out, and elevates advertising to almost art in itself”.