Getty Images announce winners of SG50 photo competition
Getty Images press release.
Stunning images by photographers from around the globe capture the beauty of Singapore
Boats in the bay ©Robbie Lawrence
Getty Images, the world’s leader in visual communication, has announced the winners of its SG50 competition. Over 400 photographers entered the contest that encouraged local photographers to capture the real Singapore, in celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
The winners are Robbie Lawrence and Marcus Ng, who were awarded first and second place respectively. Both photographers will join the Getty Images team as contributing photographers with access to and guidance from Getty Images’ global team of art directors and editors, in addition to receiving some fantastic prizes.
Speaking on the winning recipients, Nicky Loh, a professional commercial photographer from Singapore and a competition judge comments: “While there are millions of pictures being taken every day, we shouldn’t discount the fact that everything you photograph is a documentation of history. Through the SG50 competition we are able to look back over the past 50 or even 100 years of life in Singapore. There is a huge pool of photographic talent in Singapore doing what they do best daily and I hope this continues with the help of Getty Images. I am proud to have been part of this and am looking forward to many years of exciting images from Singapore!”
Robbie Lawrence captured his winning shot during a visit to Singapore to observe the country’s vision and plans for a more liveable and sustainable Singapore. He said: “Singaporeans are on a journey to create a vibrant and sustainable home. What I love about this photograph is the composition of these huge ocean tankers looking miniscule against the ocean in this dreamlike morning haze. The shimmering light made me think of a watercolour by the great landscape painter J. M. W. Turner.”
Runner up Marcus Ng, a student from Singapore, said: “I’m very pleased with coming runner-up in the Getty Images SG50 photography competition. I only do photography in my spare time as a hobby. I love shooting various landscapes and cityscapes around Singapore from various vantage points. I believe my photo beautifully captures the evolution of Singapore over the past 50 years, with the 4-storey flats contrasting against newer flats in front of our modern skyline.”
The competition was judged by a panel of leading creative and photography industry experts, including:
- Masaaki Kobayashi, Senior Art Director, Getty Images
- Nicky Loh, professional commercial photographer, Singapore
The judging criteria was focused on consistency with the theme, composition of the photograph, technical skills and authenticity. Judges were looking for images that reflect the nation’s progress since 1965; Singapore’s pioneering spirit; and real-life with people of all backgrounds, gender, and age.
Getty Images launched #RePicture last year at Cannes Lions, with the aim of challenging how we look at the world and exploring how we can change the paradigm around stereotypical imagery currently used to describe people and communicate concepts.
You can view the winning images and a gallery of the top images here:http://e.istockphoto.com/sg50competition.