UK Amateur Photographers (UKAP) is a community built around a simple idea: celebrating photography and the people behind the camera.
Founded in 2012 as a Facebook group, UKAP began as a place for photography enthusiasts to share images, talk about gear, and learn from one another. Over time, it grew into one of the UK’s most active and welcoming photography communities, with members from across the country - and beyond.
While our focus is on photographs taken in the UK, we welcome photographers of all levels and backgrounds. Whether you shoot with a smartphone, a mirrorless camera, or something much older, what matters here is the photograph, not the equipment.
What UKAP Is About
UKAP exists to motivate, encourage, and showcase photographers.
Our core values are:
Photography first - the image always comes before the gear
Community over competition - constructive feedback, not ego
Consistency and growth - learning by shooting regularly
Respect and inclusion - no bullying, trolling, or gatekeeping
Weekly Theme Challenges
A central part of UKAP is the weekly theme challenge. It's designed to motivate amateur photographers to go out and take photos.
Each week, members are invited to submit photographs based on a single theme. These themes are designed to be accessible, creative, and engaging - encouraging photographers to look differently at familiar subjects.
Selected entries will be featured across UKAP platforms, but mainly within the Facebook group, with the aim of highlighting both strong photography and the photographers behind it.
Beyond Facebook
UKAP.org exists to support and extend the community.
Here, we will:
Feature standout photographs from the weekly challenges
Spotlight photographers through short interviews and showcases
Archive past themes and winning entries
Share guidance, inspiration, and community updates
This website will hopefully allow UKAP to do what social media cannot: properly document, celebrate, and preserve the work created by the community. We're aiming for a carefully curated website showcasing the photographers and their work.
Who Runs UKAP
UKAP is run by its founder and administrator, Alan Gurling, alongside volunteers Gary Longstaff and Kev Aylett. All of us have a long‑standing passion for photography, community building, and creative consistency. The goal has always remained the same - to provide a supportive space where amateur photographers feel motivated to shoot, share, and improve.
Join the Community
If you enjoy photography, want to challenge yourself creatively, and value a respectful, supportive environment, you are very welcome to join the group. Please note that Facebook registration is required should you decide to do so.
Legal & Privacy Notice
UK Amateur Photographers (UKAP) is a community-led platform. Any personal data shared voluntarily (such as names, social media handles, or submitted photographs) is used solely for community features, attribution, and editorial purposes. UKAP does not sell personal data or use it for unsolicited marketing.
By submitting content, contributors confirm they own the rights to their work and grant UKAP permission to feature it on the website and associated platforms with appropriate credit.
UKAP aims to comply with UK GDPR and data protection principles. Individuals may request access, correction, or removal of their personal data or content at any time.
Content is provided for informational and community purposes only. UKAP accepts no liability for loss or damage arising from reliance on published material.