When most photography students are putting their final year collections together, they’re generally hoping something about their pictures’ compositions, lighting and subject matter will attract the attention of their lecturer.

But Will Lakin, who graduated from Middlesex University in July, and third-year student Tereza Èerveòová have gone one better by getting their work selected for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2013 exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.

Not only that, Will is also being highlighted by the British Journal of Photography and was hand-picked to showcase his collection at the high-profile Paris Photo exhibition at the historic Grand Palais at the Champs-Élysées in November. He has also been invited to display his collection in Switzerland early next year at the Nuit de la Photo exhibition.

“It’s such a privilege to be exhibiting in the National Portrait Gallery,“ says Will, “as a portrait photographer, it’s the best place to be.“

His photo Martyn, Sean and Jacob was shot as part of his collection in Great Yarmouth and shows three young men he randomly came across while out taking photos, and was selected for the exhibition from more than 5,000 entries from across the world.

The image is on display in the National Portrait Gallery now, where Will was chosen as one of the British Journal of Photography’s Top 12 Photographers.

Tereza’s photo, Sisters, of three young girls at a swimming pool in her native Slovakia, was also selected. She says: “I’m very excited and proud to be exhibiting in such a respected gallery and competition.“ Will and Tereza are the seventh and eighth Middlesex University students to have their work selected for this elite prize in five years.

  • Will and Tereza’s images will be on display at the National Portrait Gallery until February 2014. Details: npg.org.uk