9 Comments

It may be just me, but to be honest I feel a little, (read: a lot) underwhelmed by this style and kind of work. Badly dressed people standing in front of racks of second hand clothes? Mmmm, serious. Snap! A shot of someone with their head cut off? Mmmm, interesting. Snap!

I had a conversation with David Hurn once during a Magnum masterclass. I'd just had a portfolio review session with Martin Parr, (who I find similarly bizarre, photographically speaking) who'd verbally ripped it apart.

Seeing Hurn standing on his own, I grabbed my chance to chat to him. He's one of my photographic heroes and we talked at length about a huge variety of topics which was brilliant. After mentioning my dismal review he said to me, there are all different types of photography and you shouldn't worry too much about one person's opinion. For what it's worth he said, "I was taught always to have proper framing, lead in lines and composition."

I tend to agree with him on this one, however 'un-trendy' that makes me.
Michael Preston
2010-11-28 01:09:46

I agree with you as well, there are all different types of photography and this girl shouldn't worry too much about one persons opinion.
GeeDee
2010-11-29 09:00:56

Valid thoughts from Michael, but congratulations to Susan.
The chap holding the bee is a powerful image.
Tom
2010-11-30 13:23:52

I like these, particularly the bee keeper with his head cut off
Max Scratchmann
2010-11-30 13:24:35

I wonder whether GML insisted on Swindells giving up her copyright upon submission? Rights grab is standard practice and a good way of educating students the hard way.
Dan
2010-11-30 13:33:56

There's a whiff of Tessa Bunney about Swindells' work. It's perfectly okay but I'm surprised it has won a "best" award. Not a vintage year for student photography?
IW
2010-11-30 14:45:56

Agree with IW and others... good - but really best of the year?
NeMO
2010-12-17 19:09:25

Nicely composed images. I agree with Max and Tom though, the bee keeper images are quite striking and powerful. Congrats to Susan
Terry
2010-12-22 10:46:19

Very nice to see creative students are still able to progress even under the current economic crisis they face in Britain. A lot of applause should go to the Guardian for having this competition annually for students. No doubt Susan Swindells will gain a lot from the winning title and rightly deserved. Good work!
TB
2011-01-07 17:23:27

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