15 year-old Bradford photographer recognised by The Royal Photographic Society

A young Bradford photographer has been recognised by one of the oldest photographic societies in the world, after participating in a photography project delivered by the Bradford City FC Community Foundation.

Muhammad Ibrahim Butt, who participated in the Foundation’s Click & Connect project, was presented with his award by the President of the RPS, Simon Hill Hon FRPS, at a special ceremony, which was also attended by RPS representatives, fellow photographers, and his family.

Muhammad Ibrahim said: “It’s surreal to be receiving this award. I’ve absolutely loved being involved in the project, and I never expected to be recognised for my work. I’d like to thank Pav and Shy and the whole team, and my family, for bringing it together and supporting me. It’s the person not the camera that counts, and I’m proud to be part of this fantastic exhibition, and to have received this prestigious award.” 

Mr Butt, who will only turn 16 in July, was presented with a trophy and certificate recognising him as the Youth Category Winner in the Youth Engagement Awards, overseen by the Visual Art Group, of the RPS’ special interest groups. The awards were selected by an esteemed panel of distinguished photographers, comprised of Fellows of The Royal Photographic Society.

Simon Hill Hon FRPS, President of The Royal Photographic Society, said: “At the heart of today’s awards event was a powerful message: photography is for anyone and everyone and it only takes one click to change the world. Muhammad Ibrahim Butt’s work stands out for its originality, confidence and compelling visual storytelling. His images capture not only places, but perspective, offering a thoughtful and authentic reflection of Bradford through young eyes. The Click & Connect project has demonstrated that photography can be a force for positive change: strengthening identity, building pride, and connecting communities. Through their lenses, these young photographers have shown Bradford as it is lived and loved: complex, vibrant and full of possibility.”

Pavan Sembi, Head of Community Engagement and Inclusion at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, was also recognised for her contribution to the exhibition, winning both Highly Commended and Commended awards.

Pavan Sembi said: “It is absolutely fantastic that Muhammad Ibrahim has been recognised for his work. We started this project with the aim of giving young people something fun and creative to do, to connect them with the world around them, and to allow them to take ownership of their view of it. The fact that an institution like the RPS has taken notice of it is testament to the huge amount of talent our young people here in Bradford display. A huge congratulations to Muhammad Ibrahim, and we hope that other young people are inspired to pick up a camera, or their phones, or any artform, get creative and tell their stories.”

The Click & Connect project featured a series of workshops devised and delivered by local photographer Shy Burhan. The workshops included explorations of heritage, different shooting styles and genres, symbolism, the use of reflections and shadows, and selfie ideas. 

Shy Burhan said: ““I have loved getting to know the young people I have worked with on the Click & Connect project. Each one has revealed themselves as a talented photographer throughout the duration of the programme, and I am made up that Muhammad Ibrahim has been recognised for his efforts and hard work. Seeing him develop as both a photographer and a young person throughout the project has been fantastic, and I’m sure that he will continue to produce more fantastic artworks in the future.”

Participants on the Click & Connect project also explored areas of Bradford on a series of inspirational photography walks, which included a look around historic buildings in Manningham, Salts Mill, Bolling Hall, Haworth and a journey on the Worth Valley Steam Train.

Muhammad Ibrahim and his fellow photographers will be further celebrated with the publication of a photography book which showcases the Click & Connect exhibition. Supported by the Northern Community Fund, and edited by Pavan Sembi, Bradford Through Our Eyes shall introduce readers to a wide range of artworks, and to the photographers behind them. The book shall release this year.

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The RPS is an educational charity committed to bringing photography to everyone. Founded when photography was in its infancy, today we are a world-leading photographic community.