The judges, who picked the winners in five categories after a public vote, praised the overall standard of entries for the competition which saw hundreds of images entered by national and local newspapers, picture agencies, and freelance photographers.
The winners in each of the categories are as follows:
• National Newspaper Rota Photo of the Year - Prince George at Pippa Middleton's Wedding (Philip Ide, Mail on Sunday)
• Regional/Local Newspaper Rota Photo of the Year - Queen Recreates Victoria's First Railway Trip to Paddington (Mike Swift, Windsor Observer)
• Rota Picture Agency Rota Photo of the Year - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Royal Ascot (James Veysey, Camera Press)
• Bonus Category – Best Election Photo - Theresa May at Campaign Event in Wolverhampton (Heathcliff O'Malley, The Daily Telegraph)
• Overall Rota Photo of the Year - Prince George at Pippa Middleton's Wedding (Philip Ide, Mail on Sunday)
The competition was held for a second year by the NMA to promote the outstanding work of photographers in the local, regional and national news media and the NMA’s media facilities services for members which includes managing the Royal Rota – a system for covering Royal engagements and pooling material.
The judging panel for the competition was:
• Lynne Anderson, NMA deputy chief executive;
• Paul Jarrett, photographer and Wire Photo Agencies secretary;
• Nigel Atherton, Time Inc group editor;
• Chris Eades, The British Press Photographers' Association chairman;
• Dr Michael Pritchard, The Royal Photographic Society chief executive.
Chris Eades said: “In these days of rolling news and tweeted snapshots it is important to recognise that it is still the considered and crafted pictures taken by skilled and talented photographers that will be remembered in years to come.
"From Royal weddings to General Elections it is these pictures that record events for posterity - that form the first draft of history - that become the lasting image in people’s memory. So it is really great that the NMA is running a competition that acknowledges the work of photographers in recording these events. Long may it continue and go from strength to strength.”
Dr Michael Pritchard said the images showcased the range of activities the Royal Family undertake, adding: “For me those pictures that show them in an unexpected way, especially relaxed, and enjoying the company of those they meet, are amongst the strongest images”
Lynne Anderson said: “This competition showcases the extremely high level of skill and expertise involved in news media photography today. Very many congratulations to all this year’s winners.”
Nigel Atherton said: “It's clear this competition is going to become very influential, as the standard of entries is already impressively high. The British Royal Family are probably the most famous in the world, and their relationship with photographers has not always been an easy one, but these pictures do a fantastic job of communicating how hard they work and their sheer professionalism. They are also remind us they are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands and wives, like the rest of us.”
Paul Jarrett said: "The calibre of pictures submitted showed a good standard of photography all round and some outstanding creative compositions showed the press photographers art at its best."
All the winners will receive a prize of vouchers for photography equipment.
