English Premier League 2011/12 Photographer & Shot of the Season

Barclays today announces Owen Humphreys and Tom Jenkins as the winners of the Barclays Photographer of the Season and Shot of the Season. The awards honour the photographers who best captured the passion, excitement and drama that defined the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season.

Press Association photographer Humphreys submitted a portfolio of five stunning images from the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season, including a spectacular wide-angle shot of Newcastle United’s victory over Stoke at St James’ Park.

He also included striking images of Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge celebrating his goal against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, and Newcastle United’s Papiss Cisse embracing the net in celebration after scoring against Bolton Wanderers at St James’ Park.

Owen Humphreys commented: “I’m delighted to receive this award from Barclays. Last season’s Barclays Premier League was one of the best I have witnessed and I feel privileged to have attended some of the best matches and have always tried to capture them in an imaginative way. Football photography continues to be such an important part of the sport, documenting stand-out moments for everyone to enjoy.”

Tom Jenkins, a photographer for the Guardian and the Observer, won the award for Barclays Shot of the Season with a quirky and humorous image of a passionate young mascot for Swansea who is not amused at being left out of the player huddle ahead of their clash against Arsenal at The Emirates, scoring stand-out scores from all of the judges.

Jenkins commented: “It is an honour to have won Barclays 2011/12 Shot of the Season, especially with an image that captures the quirky and fun side of football. I’ve worked hard over the years to capture iconic moments, so it’s great that this has been recognised by the judges.”

David Wheldon, Barclays Managing Director of Brand, Reputation and Citizenship, said: “Last season was one of the most exciting in Barclays Premier League history with Manchester City winning the title in the last minute of the final game of the season. The photographers have captured many of these moments of the season with Owen and Tom’s submissions coming out on top just ahead of some other excellent entries. We congratulate them both, and all those who entered.”

The judging panel included Sky Sports football commentator Martin Tyler, Andy Dunn, chairman of the Football Writers’ Association, last year’s Barclays Photographer of the Season winner Martin Rickett, UK Picture Editors’ Guild chairman Alan Sparrow and The Times’ Chief Sports Photographer, Marc Aspland.

Owen Humphreys receives a Barclays Award and £10,000 to spend on photographic equipment and Tom Jenkins a Barclays Award and £5,000 to spend on the same.