17 Competition
Photography News Issue 22 absolutephoto.com
developing countries are inextricably linked, through climate change for instance, with the challenges faced in tackling pollution on a global scale. The images on display at the Royal Geographical Society and the Forestry Commission tour reflect this emphasis. You’ve now chosen your winning image of 2015, what was it about that photo in particular that earned it the top accolade? When I first saw Uttam Kamati’s winning imageWateringMelon (left) I was bowled over by the beauty and the message it conveyed. We sometimes take water completely for granted in the Western world. This image underlines the crucial importance of clean water, and its value to the two people depicted, whose livelihood depends entirely on the liquid flowing in their fragile pipe. Perhaps a better title would be simply Liquid Gold. Our fantastic judging panel noted the technical ability of the photographer at capturing the stunning light at a moment in everyday life in the Teesta riverbed in West Bengal, India. It highlights issues of water resource management, drought, climate change, sustainability, and water quality. Over-abstraction and damming of the river upstream to generate electricity has reduced flows resulting in the loss of water supply for thousands of farmers. Over- abstraction of water resources is one of the top environmental challenges we face all over the world; this image brings that message home. Are there any issues that persistently and prevalently arise through the competition? The images and films are an amazing visual reminder of the interconnectivity between environmental, social and cultural issues and the importance of a connected approach to tackling global issues of climate change, flooding, environmental pollution, water resource management, waste water and flood risk management. When I first saw Uttam Kamati’s winning image Watering Melon (left) I was bowled over by the beauty and the message it conveyed
Above Kazi Riasat Alve’s image Collecting Crabs taken in Satkhira, 2014. Above right Esme Allen’s series entitled Eden Restored – The Mesopotamian Marshes of Iraq won the Forestry Commission England Exhibition Award.
Above The Atkins CIWEM Young Environmental Photographer of the Year went to Bhar Dipayan’s Families are living under the Bridge.
What are your thoughts when you see the finalists’ images, what kind of picture of our world do they create for you? Images from the competition remind me why organisations such as CIWEM are so important. We are working for the public benefit for a sustainable world. It is truly motivational for us to be reminded of the messages that are behind many of these images. We are often surprised, and delighted, by the interpretation apparent and the beauty that’s portrayed. Is there any location or are there any issues that you’d like to see covered more? We would like to see more European entries depicting the challenges faced by industrialised nations. In particular, anything that links cause and effect and draws attention to what needs to be achieved for sustainability is most welcome. Do you have a category or image that you favour and if so why? I have to say the 2015 winner of the Atkins CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year main prize. It represents CIWEM’s treasured assets and what we as an organisation cherish. The judging panel features some of the most distinguished people in their industries, from both the world of art and photography as well as science and the environment. What were their reactions to this year’s entries? The judging process takes some time, as we feel it is important to really discuss the images
and what they mean to each of us. We are all consistently surprised, inspired and enthused by the entries we receive. The judges were delighted with the quality and beauty of this year’s entries. How does the judging process work? Judging takes place face-to-face and is immensely enjoyable but also truly moving. We are working to resolve many of the issues which the images bring to the fore, but seeing a new representation or an issue in a new location can be challenging. The competition is now free to enter thanks to sponsorship from Atkins, how did that affect the kinds of entries you receive? We strongly feel that competition entrants should not be restricted by financial mobility. Free entry allows amateurs and professionals from around the world to submit their work and we hope that this will continue, with the support of Atkins, into the future. What can we expect from the competition in the coming years? Entries for next year’s competition will open at the end of 2015 – keep a look out on our website for more information. We look forward to entrants continuing to tackle hard- hitting environmental issues of the moment, such as shale gas, flood risk management and climate change. And we hope to exhibit the images in more places around the world so more people can see them and be inspired to support proper protection of the environment.
Below The Atkins Cityscape Prize was awarded to Michael Theodoric for Enjoy.
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