Ukrainian Photographer Tetyana Horbatiuk Makes Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2026 Shortlist

Ukrainian photographer Tetyana Horbatiuk has been shortlisted for the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2026 in the Portrait category, with a photograph featuring the Dnipro-based band Fuji Moodji, Suspilne Culture reported on August 7.

Horbatiuk told the outlet that she initially did not realize she had been shortlisted. Having submitted her entry just hours before the deadline, she assumed the email was simply a confirmation of participation or a thank-you message acknowledging her application.

“After taking this photo, I lost my balance and fell onto the rocks. I broke my glasses, slightly damaged my lens, and split my lip, which required stitches. After that shoot, I barely photographed anything for about six months. Now I'm simply so happy about it, especially because it's exactly the photo for which I almost killed myself during that session,” Horbatiuk said.

She added that she is still processing the recognition, describing the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards as one of the few international prizes dedicated exclusively to music photography.

“I didn't think I could make the shortlist. I only photograph Ukrainian artists, so it seemed almost impossible to get through the selection process for an international award of this level,” she said.

Horbatiuk also said the recognition had reinforced her belief that photographers can gain international attention even without working with the world's biggest performers or festivals.

“Now I have this wonderful realization that you can be noticed in such a large professional environment, even if you don't photograph major stars or the biggest festivals (at least not yet). And in the end, the most important thing is the photograph itself,” the photographer added.

Another Ukrainian photographer, Denis Didkivskyi, was also shortlisted in the Portrait category with a series of images featuring singer Alina Pash.

He additionally earned a nomination in the Emerging Photographer of the Year category for his concert photography of performances by Doechii, FKA twigs, Kendrick Lamar, Charli XCX, and Loreen.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW