In honour of World Mental Health Day, we invited students aged 12-18 to enter our Young Photographer Competition. Students were asked to submit a photograph with a short caption depicting how they show resilience.
(Content warning: Some photographs and captions show depictions of sensitive topics.)
The responses this term were outstanding, with over 850 submissions from students around the world! Our team were truly inspired by the range of ways that our students interpreted the theme, facing challenges with a resilient mindset and perseverance with techniques such as using positive affirmations, taking a reflective moment to themselves, or recharging with an activity they love. In the spirit of this competition, we have donated to YoungMinds, a fantastic charity working to support young people with their mental health needs which has been our Charity in Focus for all our fundraising initiatives over the past two months.
Selecting our shortlisted students and winners was certainly a challenge in itself, and the judging panel want to give a massive thank you to all the students who submitted a photograph for this competition; every entry showed talent and resilience in abundance.
Congratulations to our winner, Nagnouma from The Quest Academy, who will now receive an in-person place on an InvestIN one-day immersive career masterclass of their choice! As there were so many brilliant entries, we will also be offering a place on one of our live online programmes to our shortlisted students. Please find these inspiring photographs below, and across our social media platforms.
Winner
‘My Most Prized Possession’
Nagnouma, The Quest Academy
“Living as a burn survivor, I struggled to see the value in what I believed made me abnormally ugly. My only normality was dance, it was a shield for the bullying, the self-loathing. Until it ultimately taught me that my burns made me who I am. In the photo the umbrella represents dance and how it always shone a light on what I used to hate, helping them become ‘My Most Prized Possession.’”
InvestIN’s comments: Our judging panel was instantly impressed by the striking nature of this photograph and Nagnouma’s highly developed creative skill. We especially liked the purposeful use of contrast as a visual metaphor for the light that dance brings to her life. Nagnouma’s resilient journey through living as a burn survivor is encapsulated beautifully in both their photograph and caption.
Runner-Up
‘You can do it’
Ollie Orr, Uplands Academy
“Resilience is something I need every time I pick up my gloves. I use all the support available to me from other people which can be advice from my coaches or simply just a few words of encouragement from my family (pictured) to spur me on when things get tough.”
InvestIN’s comments: We really loved seeing Ollie’s dedication to this sport and their ability to lean on the people around them for encouragement. This photograph captures a lovely moment between Ollie and their family member, with the black and white edit adding a timelessness to this exchange. Seeking support from others is a brilliant way to maintain a positive mindset!
Runner-Up
‘Round by Round - Chair by Chair’
Bryn Carter
“This year I was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Burkitt Lymphoma. As part of my treatment, I decided that I was going to document everything I could when I was able. As a Photography student, I captured the surroundings and spaces that played a significant role in my treatment.”
InvestIN’s comments: We were especially impressed with Bryn’s use of art to work through a difficult experience and express a sense of quiet strength. Their mature depiction of this hospital room employs muted tones and careful composition to transport the viewer into the scene. Bryn’s resilience shows through both in their use of photography as a tool to support them through their experience with cancer, but also in their determination to make something creative out of hardship.
Runner-Up
‘Silence’
Antonieta Carmona, ELEA High Online Education
“Silence is important. This picture shows a secret place in the town I live where I go to calm myself. Whenever I feel down or feel like the world is spinning, I bike to this place. To sit still and in silence. I listen to the birds. I listen to the water. I listen to the wind. Take a moment to take in your surroundings. In silence. When the rush of life is tumbling you along take a moment to sit still and listen.”
InvestIN’s comments: Antonieta’s story really captured an effective way to stay resilient; taking a reflective moment to oneself in a place that feels comforting and grounding. We were also drawn into their photo by the rich sunset colours against the silhouette of their bicycle, great job!
Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry to the competition! We were so impressed by the range and creativity of all of the entries, which were inspirational in their approach to resilience.
A huge well done to all our shortlisted candidates, and especially to our winner Nagnouma!
