Pop icon helps celebrate winners of photography competition from Aylesbury charity
Youth Concern have shared the winners of their 'No Smile Selfie' competition
Aylesbury-based charity Youth Concern welcomed pop icon Tony Hadley to their Drop-in Centre at the Uptown Coffee Bar on Whitehill Street on Monday 7th June.
Tony was there to reveal the winners of the Youth Concern ’ photography competition and present them with their prizes.
Miranda Casson (age 23) won the top prize for her captivating and haunting image that the judges said ‘elicited an emotional response’ and was awarded a GoProHero9 camera plus accessories:
“I can’t believe I won! The judges said some really nice things about my photo which was brilliant to hear.
"Entering this competition was me stepping outside my comfort zone. I’m really looking forward to taking more photos with my amazing new camera.”
The 16-18 years category was won by Liam Bermingham who received a £50 Amazon voucher, as did runner up in the 19-25 years category, Ainsley Douglas.
Also attending the awards ceremony were Hannah Asquith, Youth Concern’s CEO, sponsor Abe Almosawi from Alcom IT and professional photographer Carole Niven who headed up the judging panel.
On being asked to be a judge, Tony Hadley said:
"Giving young people an opportunity to experience creative activities, like photography, is so important and I was thrilled to be asked to get involved.”
“I know Aylesbury well and Youth Concern do amazing work supporting disadvantaged young people.
The No Smile Selfie competition was set up by Youth Concern to raise awareness of their new Photo Drop-In project that launches on Thursday 17th June, where young people can take part in free weekly sessions to learn a range of creative and technical photographic skills.
The 10 week course of free sessions run by professional photographer Carole Niven will take place at the Drop-in Centre from 1-3 pm every Thursday. Anyone aged between 16-25 years and with a connection to Aylesbury Vale is welcome to attend.
Youth Concern’s CEO, Hannah Asquith, said:
“Congratulations to Miranda, Liam, Ainsley and to all entrants. The pandemic hit many young people hard and photography can be a great way of expressing emotions. The standard of entries was incredibly high and what came through very strongly was the emotional interpretation of the challenges of living through lockdown and the impact of the coronavirus threat.”
You can hear what judge Abe Almosawi had to say about the entries and judging on GHR Bucks, Beds and Herts this morning: