A talented photographer from Newcastle has achieved international recognition by securing a coveted place in one of the world's most prestigious photography exhibitions at London's National Portrait Gallery. Christopher Owens, 43, successfully competed against photographers from 51 countries to have his compelling portrait selected for the highly respected Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition.
The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize, which awards $15,000 to the overall winner, is widely regarded as the gold standard for contemporary portrait photography on a global scale. Owens' photograph stands as one of only 57 works chosen for the exhibition from an impressive pool of 5,910 entries submitted by photographers from around the world, highlighting the exceptional quality and competitive nature of this achievement.
The winning portrait captures 11-year-old ballroom dancer Abe in a moment of quiet contemplation at a Newcastle dance studio window, where he gazes thoughtfully over the city's West End. The image beautifully combines the innocence of youth with the artistic passion of dance, creating a powerful visual narrative that resonated with the prestigious panel of judges.
Abe, the young subject of the photograph, expressed his amazement at being featured in such a renowned venue. "Never ever did I think the National Portrait Gallery would have a picture of me in it," he said with evident excitement. The young dancer also emphasized the broader significance of his inclusion, stating, "It's exciting because it proves boys can dance and we don't all have to play football like the stereotype. It's good for that to be recognized!"
The photograph of Abe will be prominently displayed at the National Portrait Gallery from November 2025 through February 8, 2026, as part of an exhibition that is expected to attract more than 35,000 visitors from around the world. This extended display period will provide countless visitors with the opportunity to appreciate Owens' artistic vision and Abe's inspiring presence.
Christopher Owens, who resides in the Fenham area of Newcastle, expressed his profound gratitude for this recognition. "It's a huge honor to have my work recognized by the judges and to be included in the exhibition," he stated. "The prize and exhibition are one of - if not the most - respected and prestigious collections of contemporary photographic portraiture, and to be among that is hugely exciting."
Throughout his impressive two-decade career, Owens has built a reputation for photographing numerous high-profile figures, including prominent politicians and accomplished athletes. His diverse portfolio demonstrates his versatility and skill in capturing the essence of his subjects across various fields and backgrounds.
Speaking about the creative landscape in his home region, Owens emphasized the importance of recognizing talent beyond traditional artistic centers. "The North East is such a fantastic place to practice as a creative, and it's important that practitioners from areas outside of the traditionally recognized creative hubs are acknowledged in competitions and exhibitions like this," he explained. "There are great strides that have been made in recent years, but still much work to do to recognize that places like the North East have fantastic talent in creative industries, which are on par with elsewhere nationally and globally."
