Launched by photographic retailer Calumet, the Student Photographer of the Year Award invites students across the UK to submit a single photo – or three if they are part of the Calumet Student membership programme – along with up 20 words about their chosen image.

Calumet Photographic managing director Jon Warner said: ‘We are looking for someone who has a creative eye and captures an image that is aesthetically pleasing, high quality and has shown a technical capability.’

He added: ‘The manner in which this is captured can range from a digital SLR to a smartphone, which makes the student awards accessible to everyone.’

The award will be presented to the winner at the Photography Show in Birmingham on 24 March, where an exhibition of shortlisted entries is due to go on show.

Prizes also include Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II and Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L ISII lenses, a Manfrotto tripod and backback, DxO software and a Lastolite background.

Calumet says the competition is part of a plan to invest in the ‘future of photography’, having recently launched its student membership programme.

As well as rewarding existing talent, the contest aims to serve as a platform for students’ work to be recognised – the £11,000 prize pot designed to kick-start the winner’s photographic career.

Shortlisted runners-up will receive a £20 Calumet voucher.

Judges include Canon UK product intelligence consultant David Parry and professional photographer Tom Barnes.

Brands backing the contest also include Rotolight, Bowens and Fotospeed.

The closing date is 13 March 2015.

To enter, visit www.calphoto.co.uk/studentawards