Photography News | Issue 58 | photographynews.co.uk
21
Awards
Overall winner, HPOTY 2017: Matt Emmett
“The image was shot within a dead straight 400mlongcorridoratanabandonedmilitary hospital in Lincolnshire. Long corridors run the length of the site with the wards, offices and operating suites positioned along them. It has been abandoned for decades and the undergrowth has started growing in the windows, giving it a lovely 'nature reclaims' aspect. It was last in use by US forces when they flew injured members back from the First Gulf War and treated them here in the UK. The image was shot using a Pentax K-3 II and the Pentax 55-300mm at 300mm. “I specialise in shooting architectural heritage and historic locations. I have been obsessed about shooting forgotten places and at-risk heritage since 2012 when a friend wanted lessons with his newly acquired DSLR and suggested a vast abandoned industrial site that used to test jet engines as the location for the first lesson. I have been hooked on this fascinating subject ever since.
The last six years have taken me all over Europe from abandoned farmsteads in the Westfjords of Iceland to the deserted villas and manicomios (mental hospitals) of Italy. “I entered HPOTY because I thought it was something that aligned perfectly with the kinds of locations and stories I love to tell through my social media, which has become a long-lasting passion. History has been made so much more accessible through the widespread use of social media by virtually every age group. Anyone can pick up a camera, go out and document something and then share their findings with the masses. Entering the competition seemed like a good way to expand the reach and bring in even more people. “I was on the morning commute when I suddenly remembered that the announcement of the results was due to be made that day. I went straight to the website on my phone
and to my delight saw my image at the head of the announcement feature, I was a little in shock but also very excited. I think I may have let out an involuntary ‘Yeeessss’ which made a fewpeople look up from their papers, but I was hugely proud and very happy. “Winning HPOTY means a great deal to me and the opportunities have really taken off since the win. I am now working on two ongoing Heritage Lottery Fund restoration projects as lead photographer in different parts of the country, and most recently have signed a contract to work with Heritage Open Days to help promote some of the standout locations that will be featuring in its September festival weekends. People often quote the win when they contact me. It has made a huge difference.”
Anyone can pick up a camera, go out and document something then share their findings with the masses
To see more of Matt’s images go to forgottenheritage.co.uk
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