For the first time in the history of the photo competition, 2020 had to be held digitally since the managers of the photo competition were not able to meet due to Corona restrictions. The digital competition was held in Denmark and the judges were photographer Liselotte Rasmussen and curator at the Maritime Museum of Denmark, Morten Thinning.
The 15 best pictures from the national competitions from Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark were presented, and the judges chose the winners by looking at the pictures on a big screen. The big winner of the year was Sweden.
The criteria for the choice of pictures: The judges emphasized the human story in seafaring and the technical quality of the photos (light and colours, composition, and framing). The pictures chosen must catch the eye, touch the heart, and encourage reflection. It must be said, that there were many good pictures in the competition that will not be mentioned.
In 1st place Chief cook Jörgen Språng, BIT OKLAND, Sweden Title:
“Resting”
The winning photo contains all the above. The seafarer’s face and empty gaze reflect the human story. A silent moment at sea lost in thought. The picture makes you wonder – is he exhausted, thinking about his family or is he just staring at a stain on his shoe? The contrast between the red colour and dusty stained blue, and the combination of the straight and curved lines creates the perfect backdrop for the story in his facial expression.
Prize: Gift certificate of 5.000 DKK sponsored by The Danish Shipowners’ Accident Insurance Association (UFDS)
In 2nd place Chief engineer Mikalel Söderholm, Sweden
“Hanging out on deck” (nr. 18) – Mikael Söderholm - Sweden
The picture emphasizes the continuous story of humans at sea. While the picture is thoroughly modern, the hammock reaches back through history and the countless sailors that came before. The colour scheme and composition suspend the seafarer above deck in a floating and dreamlike state.
Prize: Gift certificate of 5.000 NKK sponsored by Sjøfartsdirektoratet, Norway
In 3rd place Chief cook Jörgen Språng, BIT OKLAND, Sweden
Title: ”Cramped”
Labour, hardship, and corporation. Gritted teeth. A helping hand. The essence of seafaring is working together for the benefit and survival of all. One hand for yourself and one for the ship. The black and white photo emphasizes all of this.
Prize: Gift certificate of 5.000 SKK sponsored by Sjöfartstidningen, Sweden
In 4th place Chief cook Jörgen Språng, BIT OKLAND, Sweden
Title: “Spacious”
This is an amazing photo with high artistic qualities. The photo makes the most of the sparse light available, while the upright framing enhances the vertical lines. Solitude at sea. The confined space. The climbing of stairs and the solitude works well together.
Judges title: “Solitude”
Prize: Gift certificate of 450 Euro sponsored by Samtök fyrirtækja í sjávarútvegi (Fisheries Iceland), Island
In 5th place Chief engineer Harri Manninen, Finland
Title: “Anchor Chain”
Another amazing photo. Excellent in colour and composition. An almost complementary colour scheme. A rusty chain that symbolizes how shipping links people, continents, and cultures. A strong link contrasted by decay.
Prize: Gift certificate of 300 Euro sponsored by Finnlines, Finland
OS Guðmundur St Valdimarsson, Coast guard ship TYR, Iceland
Title: “The Diagonal” / “Rett diagonal”
It is a very traditional motive - bridge in rough weather. The tilt is right, and you have the contrast between the modern technology the closed front and the chaos and uncontrolled weather outside. Top of its category. Taken on a mobile phone.
OS Kristján Birgisson, trawler, BREKI, Iceland
Title: “Dangerous work” / “Farligt arbeid”
Catches the essence of working together at sea, you can almost feel the power in the picture, this Is rough work. A lot is going on, but the black & white makes it quieter.
Cook Laura Pytytövaara, MT NESTE, Finland
Title: “Morning routine”
Maybe not the best photo seen from a technical point of view, but it highlights the moment. This is probably taken by a mobile phone and you feel that you are also waiting in line. It is very much in the 2020. Captures the corona situation.
Chief engineer Staffan Ahlstrand, Sweden
Title: “How deep you go” / “Åmning”
The lines and the composition is excellent and contrast between the big ship and the small painting brush is amazing. There is just black and white.
