The Master Photographers Association, a UK-based organisation representing professional wedding, portrait and commercial photographers, has announced that it has lost Kodak's support for its annual Wedding & Portrait Awards.

"After many successful years the Kodak Wedding & Portrait Awards has finally closed its doors," says the MPA in a statement. "[But], Fujifilm UK has stepped in and is now the main supporter of the rebranded 'MPA Wedding & Portrait Awards, sponsored by Fujifilm'."

Colin Buck, chief executive of the MPA, says he was sorry to lose Kodak's involvement in these Awards, "but [we] are delighted that Fujifilm are now fully committed to this initiative which aims to drive extra custom through the doors of professional photographers."

The Awards are open to all professional photographers in the UK and Republic of Ireland "and you don't need to be a member of the MPA to submit entries," the organisation tells BJP. "The Awards are still very much geared as a 'consumer' competition, giving professional photographers the chance to run sales promotions using the lure of big cash prizes and a recognised high street brand."

Photographers can submit their images in two categories - Wedding Photography and Portrait Photography. Both winners will receive a £1000 cash prize.

However, the change of sponsor has also led to a change in the rules. Now, all entries must be submitted on Fujifilm paper and if the image is originated on film, it must be Fujifilm stock.

"Fujifilm have proudly supported the MPA for many years and continue to do so in a variety of ways," says Jon Cohen of Fujifilm. "It's important to us that professional photography is promoted to the general public in a very positive way and these consumer awards do exactly that."

Photographs must have been taken between 29 August 2010 and 29 August 2011 to be eligible. Closing date for the first round of judging is 03 May 2011.

BJP was awaiting comment from Kodak when this article was published.

For more information, visit the MPA website.