Is this an own goal?

Having just seen the winner of The Press Photographer’s Year, I completely understand now why Kenyan photographers get totally pissed off  so many of the photography jobs go to visitors to their country (NGO or otherwise).

The argument being that outsiders are better equipped to deliver (yeah right).

The winners photo was taken in Kenya. The shot is lovely but underwhelming. Do the seven judges really believe this is the best photo taken by a UK based snapper in 2008 or were they taking ketamine? (maybe they just couldn’t agree)

It’s true I’m no photographer but  if you really want to persuade me your industry is worth saving, that it’s worth forking out for professionals rather then nicking the stuff off flickr, then surely you’ve got a to make a better statement then this … or am I missing something?

On another note congrats to PPY they managed to outdo this years POYI and now infamous PDN photography competitions by having an all male, all white judging panel, although I see at least one of them has experience of shooting page three girls so they must be in touch with their feminine side.

All that said there is some cracking, cracking work on show.  Plenty to make us proud of our UK photogs.  Have a look and let us know what you think? (congrats to all the winners, and also the judges who picked some stunning work, lets just hope we see a more diverse panel next year)

DANIEL BASED IN SOUTH AFRICA RESPONDS

I agree with you about the Kenyan situation. I’ve found that when you mention photographers in Africa, you often are greeted by Europeans and Americans based here, rarely does anyone speak about the local talent.

There is a wealth of talent here in Africa, it’s just that the perception is foreigners are better, i mean how can a man/woman from Africa be better than someone who’s living in NYC.

Kinda pisses me off, but this continent will always be the source of the news and not the creator. I’m trying to change that by interviewing, and showcasing, the work of African photographers on my blog. Only time will tell I guess

duckrabbit

People do check out Daniels blog. He’s a cool writer and its great that he’s making the effort to highlight talent that we wouldn’t otherwise hear about.

Benjamin Hillier Agrees:

I totally agree with you! The Media, especially the Photo-Business is still dominated by the western Photojournalists; but there is also here a crackdown. More and more the Photojournalists get no Jobs but the Photos get delivered by “Backpackers” and other white (mostly male) Travelers/Tourists. So things are getting worse, because the somehow “ethnologic” attitude get’s busted for the Idea of Fun, Exotism and plain Ignorance.

I am also a white, male Photojournalist, though in the vein of the “new times”, so often without money or help. But still I try to include other people from the Country if I take some Photos/Stories there, so that everybody can participate within the Projects.

duckrabbit

Benjamin thanks for your thoughts.  It would terrible if people stopped travelling and stopped photographing. I would never argue for that.  When we do travel through to engage with local photographers has to be a good thing for everyone. In my own case I might even get a lesson in photography as well as culture.