Winners 2009

From 130,000 submissions in 3 categories (climate change, people and places) from readers across the globe, 3 winners emerge Their prize: a trip for 2 people to any of 100 cities where Metro is published

Places

Foggy
by
Bror Johansson
brorj
Sweden

I like foggy landscapes

Bror Johansson, 62, has been passionate about his hobby for over 30 years and this isn’t the first time he’s beeing awarded a prize for a picture. Even so, he didn’t expect to win this time.

Tell us about the place where you took the photo, Foggy?
The picture was taken in Orsa Finnmark, in Dalarna in Sweden. I went there because I knew it would be beautiful after several days of rain. This photo is taken early in the morning. I had been camping there and the night had been terribly cold, but the picture was worth waiting for.
Where is your favourite place on earth?
I have travelled a lot but I would have to say Nepal. I have been there twice for hiking and I found it incredibly beautiful. I would love to go back some time.
What is your dream picture?
It is the one that won. I like foggy landscapes.
Where do you want to go on your winning trip?
I think I need some time to think about that. Maybe somewhere in South America. I know that one of Metros cities is in Ecuador, that would be exciting.

By: Johanna Ohlson

Urban A beautiful, very well composed picture. It’s quite professionally planned.
juror Urban BrÅdhe, news
photographer at Metro Sweden

People

No Future
by
Hazel Coonagh
distortiondesign
Ireland

the reponse is unreal

Graphic design student Hazel Coonagh lives in Dublin. For the past five years, the 23-year-old has pursued her real passion: photography. She is the winner in category “People”.

Tell us about the photo, No future:
I was waiting for the bus on my way home. It started snowing, but it wasn’t the fast kind of snowfall that’s hard to catch on a photo. The timing, atmosphere and weather were great. Fortunately, I always have my camera with me. This photo has really become a message about the recession in Ireland and the rest of the world. The response I’ve received is unreal. I think it's a result of a photograph with a real message behind it about the times we are living in which many people can identify with.
What is your dream photo?
Opportunities like this photo are my dream photos because they’re completely natural.
Where would you want to go on your winning trip?
New York City.

by: Elisabeth Braw

The photographer has done very well in presenting a strong thoughtful portrait within a captivating, dark setting.
juror Paul kelly,
photograper

Climate Change

nubes para surfear | surfing clouds
by
Daniel Matsui Ito
matsuidan
Mexico

I waited six hours for this shot

Daniel Matsui Ito, 35, took photography classes 10 years ago, but didn’t think he was good enough and instead became a businessman. Today Matsui Ito runs a restaurant – but he always carries his Nikon D200 with him.

Tell us about the photo, Surfing clouds:
It was rainy and cloudy, and suddenly the sun came out. I didn’t think the photo would turn out very well; I didn’t even expect to win the competition here in Mexico.
Photography is 50% luck, but it’s the kind of luck you have to work for. I waited six hours for this shot. This mountain is a special place because nature changes so quickly. The photo shows nature telling people “you can do what you want, but I still rule the world”.
What is your dream photo?
I’d love to shoot the earth from space.
Where would you want to go on your winning trip?
I haven’t decided yet, but I think an Irish city.

By: Elisabeth Braw

Surfing Clouds can be an omen for what nature can do; you can see it as a metaphor of climate taking over and suffocating it.
juror Julia Rish,
Getty images