The Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award has just announced an international call for submissions for its second annual prize. Female photographers from around the world are invited to submit documentary work with a socio-political slant: images that are “intended to make the world a better place.” The first place entry receives £2,000 to help with the initiation or completion of a contemporary photo essay, as well as having work exhibited in a London gallery and catalogue.

Entries should reflect both Stafford’s insightful views on constructive photojournalism and powerful reportage, and the aims of the social enterprise FotoDocument, who facilitate the competition and hope to “create a sense of active global citizenship.” Having not originally intended to follow her eventual career path (she hoped to work in theatre), and having then experienced the difficulties of being a woman in a male-dominated industry mid-century, Stafford is a passionate advocate for gender equality. Her vision for the scheme was based upon an intention to offer support and a means of redressing the balance, which is an ongoing issue today. Moreover, the exposure offered to successful entrants seeks to highlight and offer gravitas to previously under-reported stories.

Last year’s winner, Rebecca Conway, has been working in Kashmir on a project titled Valley of the Shadow for the last 12 months. The valuable funding and coverage offered through the accolade has been instrumental in allowing her to develop her work and bring it to new audiences. The organisers were delighted with her submission and, thanks to her success and additional funding from Olympus, are now also able to offer £500, digital profiling, and physical exhibition space for two runners up. Along with Stafford’s daughter, Lina Clerke, who takes an honorary place on the judging panel, submissions will be reviewed by industry experts such as Dorothy Bohm and Nina Emett.

Anna Feintuck

Find out more here.

Credits:
1. Indira Gandhi. © Marilyn Stafford.