By Thomson Reuters Foundation
The Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) and Omidyar Network revealed today the winners of the ‘COVID-19: The Bigger Picture’ photo competition.
Launched in August 2020, the initiative uses the power of photography and journalism to bring to the world’s attention the often-overlooked stories of how those most vulnerable to the pandemic are being affected. Alongside the photo competition, a series of five professional photo essays capturing the hidden impact of COVID-19 across the United States were published from August to October.
The photojournalism award was open to anyone with a passion for turning the lens on the real lives behind the headlines, and an ability to capture the most powerful images of the pandemic’s impact on everyday people. It attracted more than 500 entries spanning four continents and 91 countries.
“The strong interest generated by this photo competition is testament to the fact that there are countless untold stories of individuals affected by the global pandemic. These stories deserve to be told. Although COVID-19 has changed life as we know it in almost every way, the resilience and humanity so beautifully captured by these pictures offer us a real sense of hope. I am very grateful to Omidyar Network for believing in this initiative from the start and for working so collaboratively with us to make it happen,” said Antonio Zappulla, CEO of the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
“Words alone cannot capture the anguish and suffering that people around the world have endured during this pandemic,” said Mike Kubzansky, CEO of Omidyar Network. “Every photo submitted through this contest offers a window into someone’s life, exposing not only the horrible impact of this virus, but also a sense of shared humanity. In the face of incredible challenges, often exacerbated by deep structural inequalities, people the world over demonstrated enormous amounts of strength, dedication, and compassion. In addition to congratulating our winners and finalists, I want to thank everyone who submitted an entry for sharing a piece of their lives with the world.”
The winning entries are:
- ‘Quarantine in the Dark’ by Wara Vargas (Bolivia) depicting the impact of the pandemic on the livelihoods of La Paz’s blind indigenous population:
- ‘Rest in Peace’ by Rakesh Nair (India) capturing medical staff in PPE performing the last rituals in Hindu tradition before the remains of a COVID-19 victim are cremated:
- ‘The Pandemic at the Rohingya Refugee Camp’ by Mohammad Rakibul Hasan (Bangladesh) showing a young Rohingya child crying as a swab is collected from him in a refugee camp:
View the other highly commended images, and read more, here.
