Photography students selected for global competition

Two MMU students have been put forward for the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards 2010, a global competition aimed at discovering tomorrow’s professional photographers.

120 institutions from across the world are competing in the Awards’ Student Focus category, which has tasked entrants to create an image which encapsulates ‘War and Peace’ in their country.

Second-year photography student Joanna Krolicka’s portrait of Polish veteran Jozef Krolczyk, taken on Remembrance Day 2009, and final-year student Callie Taylor’s black and white image of a war hero’s turned head impressed School of Art staff and will represent the University in the competition.

Subtle and sensitive approach to subject

Jacqueline Butler, Programme Leader for Photography, comments: “War is a very powerful subject, but Joanna and Callie have produced two subtle and sensitive portraits. Focusing on the legacy of human experience is an interesting approach to the topic and, although neither images show the face, both portray character and a sense of vulnerability.”

The shots were selected from over 40 entries by second and third year BA (Hons) Photography students, which ranged from images of graffiti and toy soldiers to eco warriors. The two photographs will be showcased at the World Photography Festival in Cannes in April.

Engendering professionalism

Scott Gray, Sony World Photography Awards founder, comments: “Student Focus is a platform for both students and educational institutions from across the globe to compete, interact and develop through the medium of photography as well as providing us with the opportunity to support those students in taking their first steps into a professional career.”

Gavin Parry, Senior Lecturer in Photography, comments: “A competition such as this provides students with a great opportunity to develop their professional practice by producing creative work for an external audience. The two images selected were clear winners and work very well together.”

Representing Europe

Joanna and Callie - aged 23 and 22 respectively - will compete against students from Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the UK in the hope of representing Europe in the final.

The overall competition winner will be selected from a shortlist of one institution per continent by members of the World Photographic Academy and awarded approximately 50,000 Euros’ worth of photography equipment.