The international jury of the 52nd annual World
Press Photo Contest have selected a black-and-white image by American
photographer Anthony Suau as World Press Photo of the Year 2008. The
picture shows an armed officer of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department
moving through a home in Cleveland, Ohio, following eviction as a result of
mortgage foreclosure. Officers have to ensure that the house is clear of
weapons, and that the residents have moved out. The
winning photograph, taken in March 2008, is part of a story commissioned by Time
magazine. The story as a whole won Second Prize in the Daily Life category of
the contest.
Jury
chair MaryAnne Golon said: “The strength of the picture is in its opposites.
It’s a double entendre. It looks like a classic conflict
photograph, but it is simply the eviction of people from a house following
foreclosure. Now war in its classic sense is coming into people’s houses
because they can’t pay their mortgages.
Follow this link to view the rest of this years World Press photo contest winners.
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Comments
Feb 21, 2009 12PM #
I must admit that at first glance I was surprised at the choice of this photo as the winner. However, once I read the description, I understood. What a comment on the economy which has spiraled downward in the months since Suau took the photo, an economy which now has touched the lives of every American in one way or another.
Feb 21, 2009 12PM #
I must agree with Rebecca that I was also surprised the choice of this photo as the winner. However, once I read the description, and looking at how people have been affected I understood.
Thanks
Feb 21, 2009 12PM #
But should not a photo be selected based on the story it tells not the story that is attached ??
Afterall, it is the World Press PHOTO award.
I do think it is a strong image, however, not nearly as strong as some of the other submissions.