Among dozens of strong contenders, NLWA has named the three finalists for its inaugural secondary schools photography competition.
First prize was awarded to Lucien from Leytonstone School in Waltham Forest. Responding to the competition theme of ‘nature’s resilience’, Lucien’s beautiful photo ‘Circle’ depicts a hardy weed pushing its way through old waste cement. The judges were impressed by the carefully considered composition of the image and its overall aesthetic appeal.
Second place went to Emily from Highlands School in Enfield, for her entry ‘Nature’s Quiet Triumph.’ Emily cleverly captured the competition’s theme by snapping a snail making a new home on some discarded packaging. Leilani from Friern Barnet School in Barnet took home third place for her picture ‘Resilience’, another excellently composed shot of a plant with a pleasingly colourful backdrop.
The judges (none of whom were borough representatives on NLWA) had a tough time picking winners with so many entries showing so much artistic talent. Students not only demonstrated their photographic skills but also that they’d carefully reflected on the competition theme, using their artwork to express important ideas about nature and its ability to adapt and survive.
NLWA Chair Councillor Clyde Loakes was impressed by the quality of entries, saying: “The artistry shown by the students who entered our competition, and particularly the finalists, to capture a shot of nature reclaiming space from human activity is just astonishing. It’s hard to believe these budding photographers are still in secondary school, with their creative flair and their knack for capturing a theme so effectively.”
The finalists have nabbed some excellent prizes for themselves and their schools, including a voucher for supplies and professional prints of their artwork.
