The Eamonn McCabe Bursary
In recognition of the significant legacy and widely-held respect across photography for Eamonn McCabe, the RPS, in partnership with Eamonn McCabe's family and The Guardian , has launched the Eamonn McCabe bursary.
This new International bursary launched in 2024 commemorates the life of photojournalist Eamonn McCabe (1948-2022). McCabe made his name as a sports photographer before moving to wider editorial work, mainly working for The Observer and The Guardian newspapers. He was widely respected and supported a generation of photographers from the 1980s to the 2020s. Through his own photography, books and broadcasting, he did much to raise awareness of photography’s history and significance to a wider public. He was Fellow of the RPS. This bursary looks to continue that legacy. It is supported by Eamonn McCabe’s family and The Guardian newspaper.
The bursary will provide £3000 to a photographer aged 30 years or under to deliver a photography project responding to the theme of ‘sporting endeavour’. This can be interpreted as widely as the applicant wishes, but the general approach should be suitable for publication. The project should normally be new, not previously exhibited or published.
As well as professional sports we particularly encourage projects covering grassroots and community activities. These could be addressing issues such as mental health, or supporting displaced communities etc. We will also welcome creative interpretations on the theme.
The completed project will be published by The Guardian and the RPS and we will work with the successful applicant in bringing their project to a wider audience.
Applicants should be aged 30 years or under on the closing date. Interviews via Zoom will take place in September and we would expect to announce the recipient by the end of September. The project should be completed within one year of it being awarded.
RPS would like to acknowledge the support of his wife Rebecca Smithers and children Ben McCabe and Mabel McCabe.
Applications are now closed.
2026 Recipient: Mia Prior
Project: Between Rounds
Exploring the culture of MMA gyms across the UK, revealing the discipline, trust, and community that underpin combat sports. Through an observational approach, Between Rounds, challenges common perceptions of MMA as solely violent by focusing on the everyday realities of training, recovery, and human connection. As a woman photographing within a male-dominated environment, Mia aims to offer a fresh perspective on the emotional and interpersonal dynamics that often go unseen. The resulting body of work will form a cohesive documentary series with the potential for editorial publication, exhibition, and wider public engagement.
Explore more:
Who was Eamonn McCabe?
Eamonn McCabe was a photographer, picture editor, writer and broadcaster, who was generous in his support of other photographers.
Eamonn McCabe Bursary: Applications Currently Closed
Applications for 2026 are currently closed.
Support the Eamonn McCabe bursary
Please consider supporting the next generation of photographers by making a donation. If you are a UK taxpayer we can also claim Gift Aid on your donation.