Photo competition 'reflects heritage and stories'

Image source, Portrait of Britain/Nicholas Priest
Image caption,
Professional wrestler Harley Hudson AKA Hudzilla and Pink Princess was taken by Nicholas Priest. It is among his portraits of wrestlers from Phenomenal Elite Wrestling, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he grew up. "Wrestling has always been fascinating, from the drama, theatre and performance to the athleticism and training," the artist said.
Image source, Portrait of Britain/Fabio De Paola
Image caption,
Laura Davis, a call assessor for West Midlands Ambulance Service, was pictured by Fabio De Paola in Dudley. "Early on, I was overwhelmed by this full-throttle kick-off to the day. Now, though, it’s second nature," she said.
Image source, Portrait of Britain/Anu Gamanagari
Image caption,
Anu Gamanagari, of Lichfield, said the picture "74 &17" shows the connection between her mother and daughter. "Their relationship is different to the one I share with her. It is more tender, understanding and accepting," the artist said.
Image source, Portrait of Britain/Marley Starskey Butler
Image caption,
Marley Starskey Butler of Wolverhampton, took this picture called 31,025 of Ena. "I make portraits of my mother/nan/aunt and private foster carer Ena for each of her birthdays, titling them with the number of days she has been alive."
Image source, Portrait of Britain/Ming de Nasty
Image caption,
Artist Ming de Nasty said on Instagram of the image from Shrewsbury: "I’m tickled pink that my portrait of Paul has been shortlisted" for the Portrait of Britain awards.
Image source, Portrait of Britain/Jack Kenyon
Image caption,
Entitled "Peter and his Giant Onion", this photo was taken by Jack Kenyon of Peter Glazebrook with his prize-winning vegetable at Malvern Autumn Show

Clare Lissaman

BBC News, West Midlands

16 November 2024

The unique heritage and evolving identity of communities is captured in images shortlisted for this year's Portrait of Britain, said organisers.

Photos from across the West Midlands feature among 200 that will appear in the book accompanying British Journal of Photography's seventh annual competition.

They include ambulance service call assessor Laura Davis in Dudley, at the start of a "full-throttle" day she has become used to, foster carer Ena in Wolverhampton and Peter Glazebrook with a prize-winning onion in Malvern.

From the shortlist, 100 will be chosen to be displayed on digital screens in high streets, shopping centres and transport hubs.

All 200 will be published in the Portrait of Britain Vol 7 photo book, printed in partnership with Bluecoat Press and sponsored by JCDecaux.

Organisers said the photographs captured a country which has a "clearly-identifiable culture yet is constantly evolving".

They added: "This edition’s images highlight the UK’s rich heritage, from ancient industries which shaped the nation, such as fishing and mining, to stories that dominated the British news media over the past 12 months such as the Post Office scandal, the cost of living crisis, and the appointment of a new prime minister."

The 100 to be displayed on screens will be announced on 6 January.

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