ELLE photography prize winner announced

The NPG's annual Photographic Portrait Prize is one of the world's most celebrated photography competitions and attracts more than 6,300 entries worldwide. Now in its 17th year, it's known as the one to win, the most highly sought-after accolade in its field.

This year for the very first time the ELLE Commission was added to the prestigious line up of awards. ELLE Editor in Chief Lorraine Candy, creative director Marissa Bourke and deputy picture editor Hannah Ridley scoured the entries, looking for someone with a unique and innovative take on the genre to join our illustrious list of contributing photographers and shoot a picture portfolio for ELLE.

Last night the winner was announced - 22 year-old Ali Lomas. Her winning photograph, pictured, also won the Godfrey Argent Award. Lorraine Candy said, 'We chose Ali's work because of the exceptional technical quality of her picture and the haunting feel of the subject matter. It was also extremely stylish.'

To read more about Ali Lomas and to see the runner-up photographs, pick up this month's issue of ELLE, on sale now.