Winners of national manufacturing photography competition revealed

EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, has revealed the winners of this year’s EEF Manufacturing Photography Competition, sponsored by Liberty. The winners were announced at a high-profile event at the House of Commons in London this week where 63 shortlisted images were put on display.

The competition, now in its 8^th year, seeks creative images that capture the essence of modern manufacturing. It is all part of EEF’s drive to challenge and change people’s outdated perceptions of the sector. The images help to raise the profile of UK manufacturing by showcasing the industry’s creativity, diversity and heritage, as well as helping to put local firms on the map.

Best Professional Photographer

Ellesmere Port-based photographer Adrian Waine, aged 54, was named Best Professional Photographer after wowing judges with his eye-catching image, ‘Stone Slab Cutting’, taken at Natural Stone Surfaces in Derby. It captures the use of diamond tooling and compressed air to cut through marble slabs to make worktops for kitchens.

Best Amateur Photographer

Jakub Wasik from Runcorn, was named Best Amateur Photographer for his compelling image, ‘Process Underbody 24’, taken at Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull. It captures the assembly of the underbody of a Range Rover Sport.

Best Young Photographer

Siobhan Lock, aged 18, from Bridgend, won the Best Young Photographer Award, sponsored by Liberty. Her winning image ‘Merlyn’s Magic’ was taken at Penderyn Distillary in Penderyn, Aberdare. The photograph is of Merlyn’s silver award winning cream liquor which is distilled at Penderyn Distillery.

As well as the titles, the three successful photographers walked away with a share of £5000 in prizes.

Siobhan Lock, winner of this year’s young photographer award, said: “Manufacturing is a fantastic subject matter, offering such diverse opportunities for dramatic or challenging shots. It’s a very visual industry, but still requires a good eye, skill and patience to do it justice.

“It has been an honour seeing my work on display again in the House of Commons, alongside so many other fantastic images of modern manufacturing.”

Dr Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade, added: “As an international economic department, we are committed to ensuring our manufacturing sector continues to grow, and these images highlight why the UK’s modern, dynamic and innovative manufacturing industry exports to markets around the world.”

Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of EEF, concluded: “From investing in the future by providing high-quality apprenticeships to standing right at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution, manufacturing is the perfect illustration of British ingenuity, creativity and innovation. All the talented photographers shortlisted this year are to be congratulated on their incredible images that brilliantly reflect the dynamism of our sector.”

Fancy having a go yourself in 2018?

The manufacturing photography competition will run again in 2018 – details will be announced next year. For more information visit: http://www.eef.org.uk/photo.