The Motif Collective Aug 2017 Photography Competition Winners

BENJAMIN VON WONG'S "AWARENESS" Theme Winners

One of the most wonderful transitions photographers can experience is an increased awareness of the amazing world around us. People, places, events, its fragile beauty, or the awesome power of nature are always hanging in a delicate balance and when viewed through the lens they all take on a new, unique perspective. At the next level many photographers also develop the ability to both See and Capture moments that also expand the Awareness of the viewer.
This month we were honored to have Benjamin Von Wong with us judging the competition! He is truly one of the masters of creating powerful, thought provoking imagery.

Enjoy BY Nicola Hohler

Our First Place Winner was submitted by
Nicola Hohler from Saas Almagell, Switzerland

Benjamin's Feedback
"Simple and powerful, this image summarizes the problem of the plastic waste cycle in a compelling way that words just don't quite convey."

Nicola, 26 yers old, born in Switzerland and grew up in Italy on a Wine Farm. My parents always told me respect for nature and environment. As I was a kid I always went in the woods near by to collect the garbage there left behind or dumped. Now I work in Switzerland but my dream is to turn the desert into forest and I am working on a system to transform sand into soil.

This photo competition gave me a lot of energy, since I was (and still am) facing a depression, caused also by the worlds situation. This competition sparked a fire in me that allows me to use my energy to create pictures for raising awareness, instead of just throwing it away.

This is just my first picture, but many more are already in my mind. I will make them, even if it will be too late for the competition. I will do them for trying to make the world a better place.

Does a sound exist if nobody can hear it? by Sara Genicco

Our Second Place Winner was submitted by
Sara Genicco from Tribiano, Italy

Benjamin's Feedback
I loved the symbolism within the image conveying how much human civilization relies on the planet for survival.

Born and grew up in Milano, Italy. Art lover, passionate person, team worker.
Curious, maybe too much sometimes. Studious, there is always something to learn, and to share. Fast learner. Ironic but mostly self-ironic, that’s the real secret to be a positive person. Always interested in new visions and new ideas. I'm taking part in this contest because I DO BELIEVE IN A BETTER WORLD.

Visit more of Sara's amazing work online at:
saragenicco.com

Free Range? BY Lesley Pain

Our Third Place Winner was submitted by
Lesley Pain from Diamond Creek, Australia

Benjamin's Feedback
Comic and simple - I loved how clever this concept was at raising awareness for something we rarely think about.

I have a degree in Scientific Photography and a diploma in specialist makeup. Although I work in neither of these fields I love that I can use these mediums to explore the world, have fun and express myself. I adore seeing Von Wong's beautiful images that promote care for the environment we live in, and I hope that my work can also articulate my concerns for humanity and the planet.

Body Image 3 BY Jady Bates

Our Honorable Mention Winner was submitted by
Jady Bates from Portland, Oregon

Benjamin's Feedback
I truly appreciated the bravery it took to create this image. It's not easy to stand in front of a camera and use your own body as a canvas! Respect.

Jady Bates is an internationally published photographer and a member of Soho Photo Gallery. She prefers working in black and white. Jady enjoys life, animals, people, and the world.

Visit more of Jady's amazing work online at:
jadybates.com

Theme Shortlist

Below are the amazing images that shortlisted into the top tier of this themes competition. A big congratulations to all the talented photographers that participated!