Carl Recine of Action Images has been crowned the Vauxhall Home Nations Football Photographer of the Year for 2013.
In a record year for entries, Recine’s England portfolio enabled him to beat off a strong challenge from the cream of Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football photographers.
Judges praised Recine for his compelling portfolio which captured the “essence, passion and patriotism” of international football.
Recine's shot of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrating against Brazil contributed to his award
Chris Hornbuckle, Vauxhall Head of Sponsorship, said: “We are delighted to have attracted a record level of entries – a 50 per cent increase.
“We feel this demonstrates the esteem and importance with which football photographers treat our awards.
“As lead sponsors of Home Nations football, we are acutely aware of the skill and dedication of all sports photographers.
“Vauxhall are committed to recognising and rewarding this role through our awards and we thank all photographers for submitting their entries and establishing the event on the international footballing calendar.
“We are extremely grateful to England Manager Roy Hodgson for making the overall winners presentation to Carl.”
Recine said: “It’s a great honour to be crowned the Vauxhall Home Nations Football Photographer of the Year 2013.
“The competition has become renowned amongst the photography community over the past few years and celebrates the art form to which some of us have dedicated our lives.”
Recine succeeds Stuart Robinson of the Daily Express, who won the overall crown for 2012.
New for 2013, Vauxhall introduced a category for imagery of fans – designed to reflect and reward the role played by supporters in generating a passionate stage for international football.
Mike Egerton of the Press Association lifted the England Supporter award with an evocative shot of a group of fans at Wembley.
Vauxhall England Photographer of the Year 2013
Winner – Carl Recine (Action Images)
Highly Commended – John Sibley (Action Images)
Highly Commended – Michael Regan (Getty)
Vauxhall England Individual Photo of the Year 2013
Winner – Adrian Dennis (AFP)
Highly Commended – Daniel Chesterton (Focus Images LTD)
Highly Commended – Carl Recine (Action Images)
Vauxhall England Supporters Photograph of the Year 2013
Winner – Mike Egerton (Press Association)
Highly Commended – Kent Gavin (Daily Mirror)
For more information and to see the winning entries go to www.vauxhallfootball.co.uk
