Organised by Leeds Trinity University’s photography department, the competition was open to students in the UK. More than 30 students across 17 schools and sixth form colleges took part in the competition, which challenged them to create a photography project on the environment, capturing a series of images that showcased their technical ability, ideas and creativity.

All entry submissions were reviewed by Leeds Trinity lecturer and industry expert Verity Adriana, an internationally exhibited and published photographic artist. After reviewing over 120 images, Verity selected Ahmad Masood from Longley Park Sixth Form in Sheffield as the overall winner for his project which reflected on panic buying and the toilet roll shortage during the first lockdown in March. Dan Johnson from Harrogate Grammar School Sixth Form and Tina Shammas from The Sixth Form Bolton were selected as the runners-up.

Verity Adriana, Programme Coordinator in Photography at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Great artworks respond to and reflect the times we live in, and make comment or ask us to reflect and  I was thrilled at how the entrants responded to the theme with such talent, individuality and this important quality of critical reflection. Our winners showed developed ideas, techniques and responses. I am delighted by how many strong entries we received and the levels of creativity and talent in this generation.”

She added: “Ahmad really entered into the spirit of the competition, came up with a solid idea through excellent research and then developed this through to a resolved piece of work that was thoughtful and considered.”

As winner of the competition, Ahmad will receive a Snap Touch camera, with the two runners-up receiving a £30 Amazon voucher. Their works will also be exhibited on Leeds Trinity Photography’s social media accounts.

Ahmad said: “I am interested in all aspects of photography but particularly, sadly, how our environment is being destroyed. I was working on this project when my teacher showed me the competition – I am really delighted to win it. After finishing my studies at Longley Park this summer, I’m currently on a gap year and thinking about applying for courses in architecture.”

Leeds Trinity University would like to thank all school and college partners who participated in this competition, including: Brighouse Sixth Form College, Brighouse High School, The Sixth Form Bolton, Burnley College, Doncaster New College, Elliott Hudson College, Harrogate Grammar School, Longley Park Sixth Form, Northallerton School and Sixth Form College, Notre Dame Sixth Form College, Prior Purseglove College, Ripon Grammar School, St Bede’s Sixth Form and Secondary School, Whitburn CofE Academy Sixth Form, Winstanley College and Woodhouse Grove.

For more information about studying Photography at Leeds Trinity University, please visit the course page.

Image credit: Ahmad Masood, Longley Park Sixth Form