Three winners selected for their outstanding images capturing the untold consequences of COVID-19 on people’s lives and livelihoods
LONDON (December 16, 2020) – 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
Words alone cannot capture the anguish and suffering that people around the world have endured during this pandemic.
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
The judges also highly commended three images:
- ‘At Home’ by Niccolo Verecondi (Spain) photographing the half-lit facade of a residential
building during the first week of lockdown in Barcelona - ‘Superhero’ by Vanessa Carvalho (Brazil) capturing a nurse arriving on duty in a superhero
cape to surprise other health professionals working to combat COVID-19 in New York City - ‘Eid’ by Armin Durgut (Bosnia and Herzegovina) showing Muslims observing Eid prayers
outdoors because of mosque closures caused by COVID-19
In total, fourteen photos were shortlisted, from countries including Egypt, Greece, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, and the United States. Each of the shortlisted photos can be viewed here.
Winners were chosen by a panel of judges made up of the CEOs of the Thomson Reuters Foundation and Omidyar Network, as well as the three professional photographers who captured the photo essays published as part of the initiative: Mike McCoy, Lynsey Weatherspoon and L. Kasimu Harris.
The three winners will receive a photojournalism masterclass delivered by the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s world-leading trainers. Participants will hone their existing story-telling skills as well as build on them through tailored workshops and mentoring. They will also each be offered the opportunity to work alongside the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s news team on a story that will be shared via the Foundation’s global distribution network.
About the Thomson Reuters Foundation
The Thomson Reuters Foundation is the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global news and information services company. As an independent charity, registered in the UK and the USA, it works to advance media freedom, foster more inclusive economies, and promote human rights. Through news, media development, free legal assistance and convening initiatives, it combines its unique media and legal services to drive systemic change.
About the Omidyar Network
Established by philanthropists Pam and Pierre Omidyar, Omidyar Network is a social change venture that has committed more than $1 billion to innovative for-profit companies and non-profit organizations since 2004. Omidyar Network works to reimagine critical systems and the ideas that govern them, and to build more inclusive and equitable societies in which individuals have the social, economic, and democratic power to thrive.
More News
View AllReflections on COP29
Jack Graham, Context’s Deputy Editor for Funded Projects, shares his reflections from this year’s COP29 conference.
Read MoreThomson Reuters Foundation and UNESCO partner to launch the AI Governance Disclosure Initiative
The Thomson Reuters Foundation and UNESCO have partnered to launch the AI…
Read MoreAnnouncing this year’s line-up for Trust Conference 2024
How do we defend democracy and trust in…
Read MoreThomson Reuters Foundation announces winners of the 2023 TrustLaw Awards
The winners of the 2023…
Read MoreWorld Press Freedom Day: How the Foundation is giving independent media the tools to thrive
A thriving independent media is a key pillar of any free, fair and informed…
Read MoreThomson Reuters Foundation publishes 2023 Annual Report
Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, deepening…
Read MoreThomson Reuters Foundation to host leading corporate disclosure initiative on labour and human rights
Focusing on the ‘S’ in ESG, the data includes indicators on labour and workforce…
Read MoreReflections on COP28
One of the key debates at this year’s COP28 was the future of fossil fuels, with climate leaders calling for a…
Read MoreHow the Thomson Reuters Foundation promotes human rights around the world
Human Rights Day is an…
Read MoreVoices from the frontline: A day in the life of an Editor in Ukraine
In this interview, the Chief…
Read More