Twenty-year-old Queenslander Sophie Richards has won the photography category of the 2013 Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA 365).
Hundreds of Australian photographers entered the competition for a chance to win the prestigious title as well as $5000 in cash, $5000 in Qantas flights and a rare 12-month mentorship opportunity with UK-based, Australian photographer Polly Borland.
One of the youngest winners the program has seen, Richards' win makes it two years in a row that a female Queenslander has taken out the coveted prize, following on from Raphaela Rosella’s win last year.
A new graduate, news of the win comes as Richards is about to embark on her honours year at the Queensland College of Art.
"I seem to be somewhat burdened (in the best of ways) by an incessant need to document my surroundings and friends," says Richards. "Allan Sekula's idea that 'every photographic image is a sign, above all, of someone's investment in the sending of an image' is one that appeals to me very much."
Announcing the winner, judge and mentor Polly Borland praised Richards' personal approach to photography: “This year the standard was particularly high across the board so it was difficult to make a final choice, I ended up deciding on Sophie as her work is highly personal and beautifully rendered with a freshness. I look forward to mentoring Sophie and discussing her photographs with her.”
The Soya 365 Awards offer prizes and mentorships to young people (aged from 18 to 30) in 11 creative disciplines including photography, interactive gaming, music, writing, film making, architecture and more.
