A huge well done to Coenraad Heinz Torlage (South Africa) for winning this year's Student Photographer of the Year for his series Young Farmers. He is awarded €30,000 of Sony digital imaging kit for his institution plus global online coverage. Torlage impressed the judges with his response to the second brief 'Our Time' where students were challenged to show a story describing the way their contemporaries see the world and how they plan to change it.
Student Photographer of the Year
Young Farmers | Coenraad Heinz Torlage
I was born on a farm in South Africa, and grew up with cattle, horses, donkeys and chickens, many of which I still own and love to this day. Farming is an intense occupation that requires passion and unwavering dedication. I set out to photograph young people who choose this life because, like me, they believe they have a responsibility. This sits heavily on all of our shoulders. South Africa is an unpredictable land with severe droughts, safety concerns and debates around land ownership. Despite these challenges, young farmers are working toward a fairer and more equitable future of sustainable food security. They are my peers, my friends and my family, and this is our time to feed the nation.
First Brief: Building a Better Future
For the first brief in the Sony World Photography Awards 2021 Student competition, we’re challenging you to show us a story connected to building a better future. While 2020 has been a challenging year, there are those who are working towards a better future for all. We want you to tell us their stories.
Show us in five (5) to ten (10) images those communities or individuals wanting to create a more desirable, satisfactory and effective tomorrow. Your images can be taken on any device, shot in any style – be black & white or colour – and approached from any angle you feel is best. While creative responses are encouraged, it’s key to stick to the brief.
Second Brief: Our Time
For the second brief in the Sony World Photography awards 2021 Student competition, we’re challenging you to show us a story describing the way you and your contemporaries see the world and how you plan to change it for the better. How are your contemporaries making our society more balanced and what are the results of their efforts? Show us in five to 10 images of how your peers are trying to improve the world for future generations. Your images can be taken on any device, shot in any style – be black & white or colour – and approached from any angle you feel is best. While creative responses are encouraged, it’s key to stick to the brief.
