TRAVEL 2020: TOP 20
WINNER, TRAVEL CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2020
ANTHONY LAWRENCE, 'NETWORKS'
A specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist in practice for more than 30 years, Melbourne's Anthony Lawrence is also a keen traveller, and for his winning series 'Networks', chose to hit the waterfront in Bangladesh's capital of Dhaka to shoot a series that reveals a snapshot of the fishermen who work the shores in this vast city.
For our judges, it was Lawrence's decision to tell an intimate documentary-style story with a gritty, authentic feel that made his portfolio a clear standout this year.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
Anthony McKee: While many photographers often try to capture all encompassing vistas while on their travels, Anthony Lawrence’s photograph “Network” gives us a closer, more detailed look at the fishermen of Dhaka, Bangladesh, as they work to repair their nets. In one image we see feet peaking out from various angles in a sea of nets; in another we see a foot that looks leathery, the big toe quietly strangled by a net as its owner works on mending a break.
Although we do not get to see the fishermen’s faces, we do get an appreciation of the hot environment these people are working in, and the tiring task they have repairing these nets. This small photo essay focusses on just a very small microcosm of Bangladeshi life, and yet each photo tells its own story. Well done.
Sally Brownbill: I was instantly drawn to this series because of four factors. Composition, colour palette and topic. Each image is bold and daring in its uniqueness. The photographer has been able to give us a clear graphic of what is going on with the fishing nets without showing any faces. They have been able to tell a clear story in a lateral and unique way, which I found so refreshing.
Whilst the topic of fisherman has been, and will continue to be, a topic photographers love to shoot, I was totally impressed with how Anthony tackled each image. He has gone in with a clear vision on how this series was going to look. Being able to make a selection of the final four, in itself is a hard task, but in this instance has been handled beautifully, with thought and consideration. The subtlety in the images and eloquence of the series shows a maturity to his eye.
More often than not I find that photographers slip up in putting a series together, not understanding subtleties or emotions, but rather trying to show off variety. This has not happened here. The viewer is left without a shadow of a doubt that it is the same story in each image, yet each image is strong enough to be a stand alone. It is a great skill set to have when telling a photographic story and I applaud this series.
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RUNNER UP, TRAVEL CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2020
PIETRO GIORDANO, 'INDIA'
Pietro Giordano's five-week trip to India in 2018 was everything he dreamed it would be, and gave him the opportunity to work on his portrait photography in one of the most visually striking countries on earth.
Captured in Rajasthan, he says he was was captivated by the instant connection with the people of this village and their generous offering to be able to take photos of them in their humble environment.
“I would often walk alone early in the mornings to capture the new day and start of daily life,” he says. “They were intrigued by my genuine curiosity and I always tried to engage with gestures and smiles and in return they posed for me in a very honest, natural and proud way.”
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
Georgina Steytler: Pietro has a great sense of colour, composition and humanity in his photography. In this series he has captured moments that are natural and deceptively simple, yet totally engaging to the viewer. Together, they form a consistent narrative and draw you into a journey through the streets of India.
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TOP 20 FINISHERS, TRAVEL CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2020
3. Photo © Niall Chang. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
4. Photo © Anthony Lawrence. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
5. Photo © Paul Harrison. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
6. Photo © Deborah Cummings. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
7. Photo © Francesca Donnoli. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
8. Photo © Charles Jones. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
9. Photo © Anthony Lawrence. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
10. Photo © Jared Buckley. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
11. Photo © Ante Badzim. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
11. Photo © Abhik Basu. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
13. Photo © Anthony Lawrence. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
14. Photo © Grant Hunt. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
15. Photo © Irina Mitin. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
16. Photo © Bruce McDonald. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
17. Photo © Deborah Cummings. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
18. Photo © Anthony Lawrence. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
18. Photo © Matt Landy. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.
20. Photo © Christine Goerner. Travel Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.