Forgotten

This photograph is a powerful, beautifully composed photograph that makes excellent use of daylight to emphasise the dusty abandonment of what appears to be a once grand room. The theme of this competition was ‘Forgotten’ and this image encapsulates a sense of that. The apparently condemned building is littered with details such as empty picture frames and peeling wallpaper that tease the eye of viewers seeking details. It’s rich in texture and even the colour of the scene hints at the dustiness of the room, which I could almost imaging I could smell as I looked at this winning photo.

In the modern world we are more connected than ever, thanks to digital technologies, yet so many people have a sense that they are abandoned and forgotten by the society in which they live. This is an evocative, well-composed photograph that symbolises a moment of loneliness. The man sits looking somewhat forlorn in the centre of the scene and, arguably, appears deep in thought ahead of making his next move. What will he choose? Which of the three options available to him will be select? Photography can be about storytelling and this entry reminds us that photography has the power to draw attention to people who would otherwise be forgotten.

This photograph makes positive use of heavy saturation to help create a warm, subtly illuminated scene that invites the eyes to explore a photograph of cobweb-covered old boots. It’s masterfully executed and artful. There’s a clear link with the theme of the contest. This is a fine example of how an essentially simple composition can be symbolic of so much more.

It is not very easy to face the world, knowing that the world is not going to look at you the same way as it used to. The photograph shows a survivor resorting to veil by compulsion because of the stares and insensitivity which instills reluctance in them. Since their natural face has been spoilt by acid, their relatives & world has also forgotten them shunning their remaining hopes.

This is a masterfully composed and thoughtful portrait of an individual with a disfigurement. The photograph captures a sense of beauty, portraying the subject with dignity almost willing onlookers to want to know more about the story of the person depicted. Are they a forgotten victim of warfare, violence or mistreatment? The low key image has depth and is a fine example of how to create negative space withing an image. The competition attracted many portrait entries, many depicting old women or individuals in forlorn looking settings, not all of which related obviously to the theme of the contest; this portrait stood out because of its obvious strength of composition. Less can be more in photography, as this photograph conveys.

This well-composed factory scene makes good use of reflection and daylight to convey the abandonment of a former industrial site. The perspective of the roofing beams leads our eyes into the image. It hints the question of what happened to the people who worked at this location? Have they been forgotten by modern society or have they gone on to better things? The sense of abandonment of the factory has an obvious connection with the ‘forgotten’ theme of the competition.

This image shows how strong composition can make an interesting photograph of everyday items that would otherwise be easy to walk past without a second glance. The abandoned mirror, glass and the boxes hint at being forgotten at the back of a residential building; therefore this photograph relates directly to the theme of the competition. It’s an image that provokes thought. Where is the scene captured? Why is a good mirror being thrown away? Who lives in the building reflected in the mirror? Arguably the mirror could be the centre of square composition too. This image stood out among other photos of abandoned items because it felt un-contrived and has an understated power.

A handful of astrophotographs were entered into the competition and this one caught my eye because it is strong image depicting an abandoned aircraft under the Milky Way. The plane, in the bottom centre of the composition, is by no means entirely forgotten as it is is a well-photographed location in Iceland. This photograph is well-executed, beautifully lit and soulful. It’s in many ways symbolic of forgotten landmarks around the planet.