'see me' photography Competition National Prize Winners Announced
Suzie Vestri, ‘see me’ Campaign Director, says: “The standard of entries this year has been higher than ever and Liz, Shelley and Archie have done exceptionally well to win the top prizes. I congratulate them on the standard of their photos and hope that these images will encourage others to think about what ‘support’ means to them. Anyone who has experienced mental ill-health, either personally or through a friend or family member knows that support and understanding can make all the difference.”
Malcolm Brown, Head of Corporate Communications at Semichem says “We are thrilled to be associated with the ‘see me’ photography competition and promoting good mental health and well-being. I was really impressed with the standard of the photography in the competition and the winners have done really well.”
Today, ‘see me’ -Scotland’s national campaign to end stigma and discrimination around mental ill-health- announces the national winners of the annual ‘see me’ photography competition.
A panel of judges awarded Liz Houliston from Heathhall the Judges’ Choice prize, Shelley Wilson from Eyemouth the Judges’ Choice Under 18’s prize and Archie Tipple from Forth Valley received the Public Choice prize.
Liz says: “As soon as I heard about the ‘see me’ photography competition I was really keen to be involved. I chose this shot as I feel it really shows the theme of ‘support’ in a different way, the photo shows a tree on a distant shore, spreading roots that have survived the torrents of the ocean - just as the roots of family and friends sustain us through the torrents of life. I am absolutely delighted to win this award, especially as it's the first time my pictures have been acknowledged in a professional capacity.”
Shelley says: “I first heard about the ‘see me’ photography competition through a College course tutor who thought it would be a good idea to get the class interested and I was really keen to be involved. I chose this shot as I feel is really shows the theme of ‘support’ in a different way, the photo shows how feelings and emotions and the accompanying issues come from within and often grow beyond our control. I am absolutely delighted to win this award, especially as it's the first time my pictures have been acknowledged, in a professional capacity.”
Archie says: “As soon as I heard about the ‘see me’ photography competition I was really keen to be involved. I chose this shot as I feel it really shows the theme of ‘support’ in a different way. The picture represents me as a child when I was severely bullied at school.
Hundreds of budding photographers from across Scotland entered this year’s competition, sending in captioned photos that illustrated their interpretation of the theme of ‘support.’ The winners have won £250 of vouchers and will get to spend a day with professional photographer Tony Marsh.