Amateur Photographer Forum competition results for the May 2014 round – Everyday People
What exactly do we mean by the
term everyday people? The ordinary man and woman on the street? Our friends and
family? The down and out? Or is it just a lazy catch all term for just about
anyone in the world. Of course it is. This round we asked you to show us ‘everyday
people’ at work and play. Taking pictures of people is one of those things that
can set people’s teeth on edge. It’s a confidence issue and one that affects a
great number of us. However, it’s good to see that it didn’t stop you all from
sending in some excellent images. Let’s take a look at our top three.
Contents not included
Prize applies to UK & EU residents only
Our first prize winner receives a Manfrotto Active Backpack I. The bag is a structurally sound, high-capacity yet compact rucksack that can also be used as a standard daypack. With its capacity to hold a DSLR system with 2 standard lenses, 15″ laptop as well as personal items and accessories. The bag has four zippered compartments with the top part designed for personal items and the bottom for photo gear.
3rd Place
Andy Teasdale – Grooved Arete,
Tryfan
I’m feeling sick just looking at
this. I have a crippling fear of heights and viewing this image really is the
closest I will every get to attempting such an activity. The fact that Andy has
scaled his way up to these heights and then had the guts to whip out his camera
impresses me no end. It also makes me hate him a little. Aside from that it’s
an excellent image. The division between the cliff-face and clouds below is
striking and awe-inspiring. The pose of the climber is timed just right. The
extension of the arm and hand suggests either a determination to keep going or
the fact they are hanging on for dear life. I certainly hope it’s the former.
2nd Place
Skiddawman – Chinese Coal
Miner
What should documentary
photography aim to do? In the words of the photojournalist Pete Muller the
pictures ‘should aim to create an emotional connection between people who may
not necessarily know anything about one another or the context within which the
pictures were taken’. That, in my opinion, sums it up perfectly. I don’t know
this coal miner but through the power of an image I can get some insight and
understanding of who he is and what he does. As we’ll see with our first place
winner there’s a single element that makes the image a success: the two
individuals working away in the background. This vision gives us a little more
insight into the narrative context. It creates a world beyond the central
subject and tells us just that little bit more about the world we’re seeing.
1st Place
Stephen67 – Hide
There’s something genuinely sweet
about this image. It’s beautifully balanced too: the angle and composition are
just right. Often when we see an image the reason we like it is because of the
subtle little elements of the scene. Our eye is drawn to one thing that perhaps
everyone else viewing the image would not otherwise notice. For me it’s the
newspapers sat on the edge of the counter. The way the corners are hanging off
of the surface, for some reason, holds my attention. I think it’s perhaps
because they act as a way of drawing your eye to the subject: the young boy. On
another note the nature of the image brings to mind the kind of striking
monochrome work of Paul Trevor, whose project Like You’ve Never Been Away
revisited the inner city residents who were the focus his images taken in
Liverpool in the 1970’s. When an image can serve to bring to mind such a
significant photographer and their work, you know you’ve got a winner.
Find out how to enter the 2014 competition
Look at all the entries for this round
Read all comments for this round
Leave your comments for winning pictures for this round
