Google Photography Prize winner – Viktor Johansson

I must use google 20 or 30 times a day and although I am there more than I am at home I had never heard of the google photography prize until it announced a winner.

Grand Prize – Viktor Johansson

“Viktor is a 24-year-old student at the Swedish photography school, Nordens Fotoskola Biskops-Arnö. The judges were impressed and captivated with his series that focused on Christoffer Eskilsson, Sweden’s best male diver from 10 metres. Viktor has chosen to show us an alternative view, one that we are not used to seeing from sport photography in the media. Instead of glamorous action shots of an athlete in competition, he has produced arresting and unexpected photographs that focus on the long, lonely hours of repetitive training and practice that it takes to excel in your field.”

I have searched for a web site for Viktor without luck so although there is much media coverage of his win and his winning portfolio you may have to wait for further information.

I think that the competition is open to students, but if I am honest I haven’t looked at the rules, and I also assume there is a competition running through the next 12 months but again I struggle to find the information, seems to me that for an information company google are not doing well in this instance.

Here is the link to the google photography prize page

All images © Viktor Johansson

Other links of interest

The Telegraph

The Independent

The BBC

Design Week

Photos: Life in Appalachia – Mario Tama

These images by Mario Tama, on the excellent Denver Post pblog site, follow in the traditions of a number of photographers who point their cameras back at America and show us what is rarely seen, poverty (think of Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange) . What brings these images together is the continuity that  “Familial and community bonds run deep, with a populace that shares a collective historical and cultural legacy uncommon in most parts of the country”

“Daniel Boone once camped in the Appalachian mountain hamlet of Owsley County which remains mostly populated by descendants of settlers to this day. The 2010 U.S. Census listed Owsley County as having the lowest median household income in the country outside of Puerto Rico, with 41.5% of residents living below the poverty line. Familial and community bonds run deep, with a populace that shares a collective historical and cultural legacy uncommon in most parts of the country. However, the community of around 5,000 struggles with a lack of jobs due to the decline in coal, tobacco and lumber industries along with health issues including drug addiction without effective treatment.”

Getty Photographer Mario Tama spent time in Owsley County documenting the community. These are great images, do look at the full set here

Here is a link to the excellent Tama’s website

Mose Noble’s nephew Johnny Noble, 9, sits in Mose’s trailer during a visit on April 21, 2012 in Owsley County, Kentucky. Johnny visits his uncle from time to time. Mose Noble is a former chimney sweeper who no longer works but volunteers cleaning graveyards. His trailer has no electricity or running water but he receives governmental and neighborly assistance. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Former chimney sweeper Mose Noble’s kitchen is seen in Owsley County on April 21, 2012 in Booneville, Kentucky. Noble is no longer employed but does volunteer cleaning graveyards from time to time. His trailer has no electricity or running water but he receives governmental and neighborly assistance. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Drucilla Smith (C) prepares for the Owsley County High School prom in her home with sister Linda Hall on April 21, 2012 in Booneville, Kentucky. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

A man reads a newspaper in a restaurant on April 22, 2012 in Booneville, Kentucky. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)