PAN friend and reader Nina Emett, the founder of FotoDocument a not-for-profit arts education organisation, has announced entry is open for the next The Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award -an international award, supported by Olympus, for women documentary photographers in honour of legendary photographer Marilyn Stafford.
The winner of the inaugural Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2017 was British photographer, Rebecca Conway, for her project “Valley of the Shadow” based on the treatment of civilian trauma (PTSD) in Indian-controlled Kashmir following three decades of separatist insurgency, conflict and violence. View that work here.
The Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2018 is now open for entry. Granted annually to a professional woman photographer towards the initiation or completion of a documentary photo essay addressing an important social, environmental, economic or cultural issue, either local or global.
The work submitted should, in part, contribute to constructive photojournalism, in line with the aims of FotoDocument and the wishes of Marilyn Stafford. 2018 is the second year the award has been given and one overall winner will receive £2,000 towards their project and will have their work exhibited in a central London gallery and in the exhibition catalogue.
The award is reserved solely for documentary photographers working on projects which are intended to make the world a better place and which may be unreported or under-reported. Women from any stage of their careers, over 18, are welcome to apply, whether emerging, mid-career or established, but they must have completed at least one documentary photo essay to demonstrate track record. Entrants may be any nationality and based anywhere in the world. Submissions close on 18 May 2018.
The winner of The Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award will also have their work profiled on the FotoDocument website and publicised via social media by both FotoDocument and Olympus. The winner will receive mentoring support from Marilyn Stafford and FotoDocument during the course of their project.
Full Award detail and to Apply HERE
• Born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, Marilyn Stafford’s photographic career was accidently launched in New York in 1948 when she was asked to photograph Albert Einstein by friends making a film about him. In the car on the way to Einstein’s home in New Jersey, she was given a camera and a quick lesson in how to use it. From there on, her photographic career took her across the world, starting in Paris in the 1950s. There her friendship and guidance by Magnum founders Robert Capa and Henri Cartier-Bresson were instrumental in shaping her work. She is now based in Sussex.
“I am delighted to announce the launch of year two of the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award. The judges were so pleased with our inaugural winner, Rebecca Conway, who has already made such a success of her project “Valley of the Shadow” in Kashmir with the help of the Award. This year, with support from Olympus, we have been able to increase our offer to the winner and two runners up, not only in terms of helping to finance their projects but also with a London exhibition. This will raise the profile of the photographers considerably and it will also raise awareness of their under-reported stories, one of the main objectives. To facilitate this Award in honour of Marilyn Stafford is a great privilege.” Nina Emett, Founding Director, FotoDocument
“Olympus are proud supporters of the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award. In a male dominant market it can be tough for female photographers, this Award not only recognises their talents and hard work, but also supports them in their photographic journey. Sharing great images is paramount and we are pleased to celebrate the fantastic entries from last year and we are excited to see what this year’s competition will bring.” Georgina Pavelin, Marketing Manager, Olympus UK
• All applications must reach FotoDocument at [email protected] by 5pm on Friday 18 May 2018
[…] A further Chairman’s Award was given to Marilyn Stafford in recognition of her contribution to photography that has spanned many decades including working as an understudy to Cartier Bresson in Paris in the 1940’s and continues with the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award. […]