09/06/2026
Cast your vote today!
A Swansea photographer is in the running for one of the UK’s most prestigious photography prizes 📷
📷 Joann Randles, an award-winning press photographer based in Penllergaer, has been shortlisted in the Picture of the Year category at the UK Picture Editors’ Guild Awards 2026, described as the equivalent of the BAFTAs for press photographers.
🇺🇦 The shortlisted image is a portrait of Mariia-Anastasiia Mikulska, a 15-year-old Ukrainian refugee living in Swansea with her mother Natalia, who fled Lviv after the Russian invasion. Joann captured the image ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day in August 2025.
🏆 The photograph is one of just 21 shortlisted from across the UK - competing against images from the Manchester synagogue terrorist attack, Pope Francis’ funeral, Rory McIlroy’s Ryder Cup win, and a portrait of the Princess of Wales.
💬 Joann said: “Finding out I had been shortlisted came as a complete surprise and I couldn’t be prouder. Photography is all about capturing moments and telling stories, so it means a great deal to have this image acknowledged by such a respected panel.”
📸 Joann began her photography career during Covid after a background in film and television. Her work has since been exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum and featured in leading national and international media.
⏰ The winner is chosen by public, which closes tomorrow, June 10th. Cast your vote at the Picture Editor Guild UK's website.
Source: Nation Cymru / UK Picture Editors Guild / Joann Randles
