At a wonderful evening at the UK Picture Editors Guild Awards, held at the Honourable Artillery Company, I was honoured to have received a joint commendation for my portfolio of five portraits, placing the images as third in the UK, in the DMGT Portrait Photographer of the Year category.
Photojournalist Edmond Terakopian attending the UK Picture Editors’ Guild Awards 2022. Honourable Artillery Company, London, UK. October 17, 2022. Photo: Peter Jordan
As always, much joy in catching up with friends, colleagues and picture editors, some of whom I’ve known for around 30 years! Great to see powerful and moving photojournalism by talented photographers, still helping us understand stories from around the world and the human impact they have. Makes me think that Kodak’s famous “a picture is worth a thousand words” slogan needs to be reworded to “ten thousand words”.
My thanks to the judges, led by the legendary former Sunday Times Picture Editor Ray Wells, for all their hard work in choosing the winning and commended images. Huge thanks also to friend and colleague, Alan Sparrow for his dedication and hard work in making these crucial awards take place.
Portrait Photographer of the Year Portfolio
An XR protestor is seen through the broken window of a bus, which was broken when the Police stormed the bus as the Extinction Rebellion action began. Extinction Rebellion protestors block off the southern end of London Bridge. London, UK. August 31, 2021. Photo: Edmond Terakopian. Lumix G9 and Lumix G Vario 35-100mm f2.8II.Angelika Ghazaryan, a descendant of Genocide Survivors, at the 106th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide of April 24th, 1915. Members of the British Armenian community gather at the remembrance service for the 1.5 Million Armenians massacred by the Ottoman Empire. US President Joe Biden has become the first US president to issue a statement formally describing the 1915 massacre of Armenians as a genocide by the Ottoman Empire (modern day Turkey) on the day that Armenian communities around the world marked the killing of 1.5 million Armenians. St Yeghiche Armenian Church, London, UK. April 25, 2021. Photo: Edmond Terakopian. Lumix G9 and Voigtlander 29mm f0.8 MFT Super Nokton Lens.Miner Ian Turner, at the end of his shift. Aberpergwm Mine is the only remaining operational coal mine in the UK. It’s the only source of high-grade anthracite in Western Europe. Aberpergwm Mine, Glynneath, Neath, Wales, UK. July 30, 2021. Photo: Edmond Terakopian. Lumix G9 and Leica DG 50-200mm f2.8-4.0 lens.Extinction Rebellion protestors block off the southern end of London Bridge. London, UK. August 31, 2021. Photo: Edmond Terakopian. Leica M10-D and Leica 50mm Summicron (1960s ‘Rigid Summicron’) lens.A mourner commemorates the victims of the Genocide, during a church service, as candles lit in prayer illuminate the back of the church. Joe Biden has become the first US president to issue a statement formally describing the 1915 massacre of Armenians as a genocide by the Ottoman Empire (modern day Turkey) on the day that Armenian communities around the world marked the killing of 1.5 million Armenians. (London, UK) 106th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide of April 24th. Members of the British Armenian community gather at the remembrance service for the 1.5 Million Armenians massacred by the Ottoman Empire. St Yeghiche Armenian Church, London, UK. April 25, 2021. Photo: Edmond Terakopian. Lumix S1 and Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f2.8 lens.
The images in my commended portfolio were shot on Lumix G9, Lumix S1 and M10-D cameras. The raw files were edited and processed in Adobe’s LightRoom Classic, finished in Exposure Software’s X7, all using fully calibrated Eizo CG monitors attached to an Apple Mac Pro.
Very happy to share that seven of my photographs have been chosen by the judges of the Urban Photo Awards, which forms an integral part of the Trieste Photo Days festival Trieste Photo Days festival in Italy.
People Category. The Lady In Red. A protestor dances on the roof of the fake wedding bus used to block the road as the police arrive on scene. Extinction Rebellion protestors block off the southern end of London Bridge. London, UK. August 31, 2021. Photo: Edmond Terakopian
Thrilled to make the list of ‘selected photographer’ for the competition, having theses images chosen from the 10,000 entries entered by 2800 photographers worldwide. Four of my images have been selected in the People category and three in the Spaces category. Only three others didn’t make the list, so very happy with that ratio!
Spaces Category. 1532 Meets 2018. The Scalpel building, opened in 2018, is seen behind St Andrew Undershaft church, constructed in 1532. City Of London. UK. June 14, 2022. Photo: Edmond Terakopian
These seven images are now through to the next stages of judging, to find the winners of the URBAN Photo Awards 2022, which marks the 13th year of the awards. If you like the work, do keep some fingers crossed please!
People Category. The XR Bride. The penultimate protestor to be taken off the open top ‘wedding bus’ was dressed as a bride and had her hand glued to the glass on the bus’s front door. She was arrested and put in the back of a Police van’s secure prisoner cell. Extinction Rebellion protestors block off the southern end of London Bridge. London, UK. August 31, 2021. Photo: Edmond Terakopian
All the selected photographs were made using Panasonic Lumix cameras, ranging from the Lumix G9, to the Lumix S1 and S1R, using a variety of Leica DG and Lumix S Pro lenses. As always, the raw files were edited and processed in LightRoom Classic on an Apple Mac Pro.
People Category. Coal Miner Ian Turner. Life around the mine. Miner Ian Turner, at the end of his shift. Aberpergwm Mine is the only remaining operational coal mine in the UK and the only source of high-grade anthracite in Western Europe. Aberpergwm Mine, Glynneath, Neath, Wales, UK. July 30, 2021. Photo: Edmond TerakopianPeople Category. The Shift Manager. Shift Manager Miner Colin Evans, who has been a miner for 40 years, prepares the paperwork for the shift. Aberpergwm Mine is the only remaining operational coal mine in the UK and is the only source of high-grade anthracite in Western Europe. This anthracite is used in water filtration, rechargeable batteries and production of stainless steel, to name a few of its uses. Aberpergwm Mine, Glynneath, Neath, Wales, UK. July 30, 2021. Photo: Edmond Terakopian Spaces Category. The Forth Bridge (cantilever railway bridge) stretches across the Firth of Forth. The bridge was the most prominent steel structure when it became operational in 1890 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge carries over 50,000 passenger trains and over 6,000 freight trains with a gross weight in the region of ten million tonnes. The 8,094ft-long railway bridge acts as a significant thoroughfare connecting the north-east and south-east of Scotland, primarily connecting the city of Edinburgh and council area Fife and further to Dundee and Aberdeen. A view showing North Queensferry. Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland. July 08, 2021. Photo: Edmond TerakopianSpaces Category. The Power Of Green. Canary Wharf, London’s financial centre is seen behind a tree. June 14, 2022. London, UK. Photo: Edmond Terakopian
Absolutely delighted to get a third place in the the premiere, international photographic awards dedicated to food photography, which so deeply covers the various aspects of food, from celebration and opulence to hunger and the need for sustenance. It’s a phenomenal competition and I’m thrilled my work was recognised by the global judging panel. Many thanks to the awards’ team and all the supporters and sponsors of the Pink Lady Food Photographer Of The Year.
Many thanks also to this year’s judges, chaired by food photographer, David Loftus, Fiona Shields, Head of Photography, Guardian News & Media, Susan Bright, Writer and Curator, Nik Sharma, Cookbook Author and Photographer, Chef Simone Zanoni, Restaurant Le George, Four Seasons Paris, Alison Jacques, Founder, Alison Jacques Gallery and Vitalie Taittinger, President, Champagne Taittinger.
Finalist; Politics Of Food A Key Worker In The Food Industry. First Month Of The COVID 19 Lockdown In London. The normal of ‘eating out’ during the COVID 19 lockdown, has become ordering in, as restaurants are only allowed to be open for deliveries. Bicyclist delivery driver for the online food delivery company Deliveroo, awaits their booking, as Londoners out cycling for their daily allowance of excerise, pass on by. Deserted London town following the COVID 19 pandemic and the first month of the coronavirus lockdown. London, UK. April 23, 2020. Photo: Edmond Terakopian
My prize winning image got third place in the Politics Of Food category. This section is about photojournalistic images that show the reality of issues relating to food anywhere in the world including the impact that Covid 19 has had on the global population over the last year. I’m delighted that another of my photographs was a finalist in this section and one other also made the shortlist.
I’m absolutely in awe of the overall winning image, titled ‘Taste’, by Li Huaifeng. Such a wonderful image.
The exhibition of award winning work is due be held at the RPS (Royal Photographic Society) in Bristol from 20th November to 12th December 2021. With over 20 categories, ranging from the Politics of Food to Food Portraiture, the images from the Awards capture the great sweep of stories and cultures in the world of food.
Shortlisted; Politics Of Food The normal of ‘eating out’ during the COVID 19 lockdown, has become ordering in, as restaurants are only allowed to be open for deliveries. Bicyclist delivery driver for the online food delivery company Deliveroo, awaits their booking. Soho, London, UK. July 14, 2020. Photo: Edmond Terakopian
Technical Information
For the photographers, some background to the equipment used. The third place image (top) was shot on my Lumix S1R with a Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f4.0 lens.
The finalist image (centre) was made using my Lumix S1 and Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f4.0 lens.
The shortlisted image (bottom) was made using my Leica M10-D and Leica 35mm Summilux ASPH FLE lens.
All images were shot in raw and processed in Lightroom Classic and finished in Exposure Software’s X6.
Awards Ceremony Video
If you’d like to skip forward to the Politics Of Food section, it’s at time code 31:36.
Happy to share that four of my images were nominated in the 14th Annual International Color Awards. Alas none went on to win a prize, but it’s still nice to make the shortlist!
Churches Allowed To Open After Easing Of UK COVID 19 Lockdown. The Apostolic Orthodox Armenian Church is one of the most ancient Christian institutions. The Kingdom of Armenia was the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Having live streamed services during the pandemic lockdown, St Yeghiche Church opened its doors for public worship on Sunday 5th July 2020. 13b Cranley Gardens, Kensington, London, UK. July 05, 2020. Photo: Edmond Terakopian
The four images were all photographs I had made as part of my ongoing reportage on the COVID 19 lockdown in 2020.
Matching face mask and outfit to one’s surrounds as the lockdown comes to an end. Knightsbridge, London, UK. June 14, 2020. Photo: Edmond TerakopianCommunity Minded; Opera for her neighbours during the COVID 19 lockdown. Soprano Julieth Lozano performs outside her home for neighbours and passers-by who are drawn to her singing and stop for her performance. Kensington, London, United Kingdom. June 14, 2020. Photo: Edmond TerakopianA member of the congregation wears a face mask. Churches Allowed To Open After Easing Of UK COVID 19 Lockdown. The Apostolic Orthodox Armenian Church is one of the most ancient Christian institutions. The Kingdom of Armenia was the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Having live streamed services during the pandemic lockdown, St Yeghiche Church opened its doors for public worship on Sunday 5th July 2020. 13b Cranley Gardens, Kensington, London, UK. July 05, 2020. Photo: Edmond Terakopian
Three of the images were made using the Panasonic Lumix S1 and the fourth (Of opera singer Julieth Lozano) was made on a Panasonic Lumix S1R. The lenses were all Lumix S Pro lenses (16-35mm f4.0, 70-200 f4.0 and 70-200mm f2.8). The raw files were edited and processed in LightRoom Classic and finished in Exposure Software’s X6 plugin.
Very happy to share that for the second year running, the judges of the prestigious British Photography Awards have chosen two of my photographs for the award’s shortlist. This means that these two images are now eligible for the People’s Choice Awards and open to a public vote.
If you like either (or both!) my photographs, I would greatly appreciate your vote. You may vote vote for one image in each category. No registration is needed and it’s literally one click to cast your vote.
Documentary Category
Community Minded; Opera for her neighbours during the COVID 19 lockdown. Soprano Julieth Lozano performs outside her home for neighbours and passers-by who are drawn to her singing and stop for her performance. Kensington, London, United Kingdom. June 14, 2020. Photo: Edmond Terakopian
This image was made using my Lumix S1R and Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f4.0 lens. The raw image was processed in LightRoom and finished in Exposure Software’s X5.
This image was made using my Lumix S1R and Lumix S Pro 50mm f1.4. The raw image was processed in LightRoom and finished in Exposure Software’s X5.
One of the great things about these awards is the entry fee is donated to a range of charities. I’m happy to have donated the entry fee for all of my images to a phenomenal organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctor’s Without Borders).
Many congratulations to all the shortlisted photographers and my thanks to the judges for their hard work. Huge thanks also to all those who have voted in the People’s Choice for the shortlisted images.
Very happy to share that a portfolio of 5 of my images has been selected for the next stage of the Urban Photo Awards.
Wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial khachkar (a carved Armenian Stone Cross memorial sculpture) took place after a remembrance service and prayer of intercession, to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of April 24th, 1915, when 1.5 Million Armenians were massacred by the Ottoman Empire. A member of the clergy swings a censer (a type of thurible) of incense. The usual wreath laying ceremony at The Cenotaph, attended by hundreds, was cancelled this year due to the COVID 19 lockdown and instead took place on church grounds. St. Yeghiche Armenian Church, Cranley Gardens, South Kensington, London, UK. April 24, 2020. Photo: Edmond Terakopian Panasonic Lumix S1 with a Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f4.0 lens.
A portrait of Jim Connor (former picture editor, The Herald, Glasgow) enjoying a pint of Guiness at The Long Hall pub in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. January 17, 2020. Photo: Edmond Terakopian Sigma fp with a Leica 35mm APO Summicron SL f2.0 lens.Opera singer Ida Ränzlöv (mezzo-soprano) in her dressing room ahead of her performance in Ian Page’s visionary MOZART 250 series, 1770 – A Retrospective. In conjunction with Classic FM. Wigmore Hall, Wigmore Street, London, UK. January 09, 2020. Photo: Edmond Terakopian Sigma fp with a Lumix S Pro 50mm f1.4 lens.Fashion designer and independent British luxury brand, Joshua Kane, in his flagship store at 68 Great Portland Street, London, UK. July 23, 2019. Photo: Edmond Terakopian Panasonic Lumix S1R with a Lumix S Pro 24-70mm f2.8 lens.Easing Of The Coronavirus Lockdown In England begins today with non-essential retailers being allowed to open if they adhere to social distancing rules. Harrods opens it’s doors to shoppers who began queuing over an hour before the 11am opening of the store. Knightsbridge, London, UK. June 15, 2020. Photo: Edmond Terakopian Panasonic Lumix S1R with a Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f4.0 lens.
All the images were made using the L-Mount camera system. Three images were shot on the Lumix S Series with Lumix S Pro lenses and the other two images were shot on the Sigma fp with a Leica APO Summicron SL lens and a Lumix S Pro lens.
All photographs were from raw files, edited and processed in Adobe Lightroom and finished in Exposure Software’s Exposure X5, with the monochrome image being finished in DxO’s Nik Collection, Silver Efex Pro.
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