The work of four talented Nottingham College A Level Photography students has been selected to feature in an emotive UK-wide online exhibition, highlighting the mental health impact of the pandemic on young people.
Pictured: Hollie Jones’s exhibition photo
From a huge 22,000 entries, students Hollie, Liana, Ava and Jade, who are all studying at the College’s High Pavement Sixth Form, were chosen alongside 79 others to feature in the exhibition, which launched on Instagram on 15 February (@showandtellphoto).
The Show and Tell exhibition was organised by The Photography Movement and aimed to help ease the stresses and anxiety caused by the impact of lockdown. Young people aged 10 to 18 were asked to capture images which answer the simple question: How are you feeling?
Selected in the top 15 Judge’s Choice were the images of Hollie, Liana and Ava, who have also seen their work displayed in a national billboard campaign from 15 to 21 February. Some of the images were also featured on national news websites.
Eighteen-year-old Hollie Jones’s photograph portrayed the feeling of being alone, and not knowing what’s around the corner. She took it on a foggy night when there were hints of bonfire smoke in the air.
Hollie said: “I was really excited when I found out I’d made it in. I know we’re in lockdown, but I’m still enjoying the recognition of my work and other people’s. It’s really brilliant to be honest.
“It’s an empowering feeling as a photographer to have your work recognised by already established photographers.”
Nottingham College A Level Photography Lecturer, Liz Morley, encouraged her students to consider entering their work for the exhibition. She is delighted with their success. Liz said: “What an amazing achievement for them! To have four Nottingham College student photos make the final exhibition, when thousands entered, makes us so proud.”
Judges included world-renowned photographer Rankin, BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nihal Arthanayake, model and TV presenter Daisy Lowe and advertising creative director Trevor Robinson.