2020 Photography Award: Friend-Ship
The annual Youmanity Photography Award has announced that Nicola Parker from Surrey, England, has won the Youmanity Screenshot Competition.
‘A kiss from across the miles’ was the title of this year’s winning entry. Nicola’s screenshot captures three generations: herself, her daughter Molly and 80 year-old mother Mary blowing a kiss from a nursing home. The caption alongside it simply reads “We have not been able to hug mum recently”.
Youmanity’s photography competition encouraged society to stay connected with family and friends, to make video calls and capture a treasured moment with a screenshot. Thousands of participants worldwide submitted their screenshots, celebrating family and friends, to fight social isolation and help prevent suicide.
Speaking for the jury, Michael Pritchard, Director for Education and Public Affairs, RPS, said:
“During lockdown meeting online has been a lifesaver for many people and for many the only way to connect families. All the entries showed the importance of that connection to fight isolation. The shortlisted entries connected different generations, lovers, friends and neighbours in ways that were creative and, most importantly fun – with plenty of smiles.”
The second place was awarded to Shamil Agaev from Russia for capturing a family birthday celebration. Zura Agaeva’s grandchildren, each in different parts of the country, managed to position a balloon within a portion of their screen to form the number ’60’ - much to the surprise of their grandmother.
Third place went to Lucy Barlow, United Kingdom, for portraying her little niece, Issy, as she enjoyed her aunt’s concert – or in Issy’s words 'Aunty Wu-Wu's Boo-Ka-Lay-Lee' concert. “Issy has been the light of my life in lockdown. Funny, caring, loving - she's the reason to play. Every day,’ said Lucy.
Selected Friend-Ship screenshots will be showcased on social media. Competition winner Nicola Parker will be awarded £500 cash prize during an on-line ceremony in April 2021.
The judges were Anne Williams - Documentary Photography Historian, Aris Kourkoumelis - Asst. Curator of Photographs - The Royal Collection Trust, Lise Hansen - Project Manager -Thrive London, Marie Popon - Project Manager - KeolisAmey Docklands, Michael Pritchard FRPS - Director, Education and Public Affairs, The Royal Photographic Society, Priya Nagda-Swainson - Suicide Prevention Officer - Papyrus, Angelo Iudice - Chair of Youmanity.
The finalists' gallery can be accessed here
You can see the finalists' screenshots here
