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What does it mean to be an engineer at this time, and how do engineers continue to grow, develop and implement solutions in such uncertain times that impact on both their professional and personal lives?
Whether working in unusual conditions, fighting the odds or with the family in tow, the 2020 Photographer of the Year competition has been an opportunity to capture private moments of how we all work and share them across the globe, raising eyebrows and smiles along the way.
“A picture is worth a thousand words as sometimes multiple ideas can be conveyed through a single still image,” said competition judge, Ankit Sharma. “We saw some great entries from members around the world and it was tough for us to select the winner. It was a great opportunity to judge this competition as it also made my own photography skills better and a positive way of viewing things during tough times.”
Our winning image by Pooi Ying Choon
The IMechE congratulates this year’s winner, Pooi Ying Choong from Malaysia, who entered the competition with a dynamic image showing engineering outdoors, on the move, utilising every physical protection necessary to carry out essential work during the pandemic.
Channelling strength and determination, Pooi Ying wrote, "Engineers are the silent guardians of a nation, safeguarding crucial assets from power plants to medical imaging equipment to ensure the lives of humans are minimally disruptive despite the pandemic. Let us all stay safe, fill our lives and others with hope, and let's overcome this challenge together!"
Our runner-up by Bhagya Chathuranga, Sri Lanka
In contrast, a photograph that captured the very essence of working in isolation was shared by Bhagya Chathuranga from Sri Lanka, a final year undergraduate of University of Moratuwa, who claimed the Runner-up spot with his darkened photograph depicting the often lonely task of working in front of a computer screen, with a facemask lying in wait as a new one appears to be in design.
“It was a real challenge to capture a photo that fits the theme with the COVID-19 pandemic situation,” said Bhagya. “At that time there was no way to go out from home with the pandemic situation in the country. I believe that photography is a medium through which human beings can grasp what we cannot express in words. So thank you so much for organising such an art as a competition.”
We can all relate to Duncan's image!
An Honourable mention was given to Duncan Saunders for his bright and highly relatable photograph, showing life as many know it at the moment with his smiling baby wriggling on a mat in the background, surrounded by toys as he works at his laptop.
These are unmistakably images of our time.
Carly Nettleford was thrilled to judge this year’s competition, and see first-hand the range of photographed experiences that not only reflect an engineer’s work at this moment, but are also so relatable to us all, no matter what field we may work in.
“We had many fantastic visually pleasing images and it was a hard decision to make due to the theme being interpreted in different ways by the contestants. Overall the level talent seen was amazing! I’d like to congratulate all participants and highly commend the effort of all!”
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