Skellig Michael boatmen protest amid permit dispute for the UNESO Skellig Michael site. Photo by Stephen Power.
Kerry photographer Stephen Power has won an European Photography Award for one of his photo’s capturing a iconic moment during the Skellig Michael Protest that made national news.
The photo captures protestors on a boat close to the famous UNESCO site Skellig Michael island voicing their anger at the delaying opening of the famous tourist site earlier this year.
Stephen covered the event for several media outlets including the Irish Independent and The Kerryman and he took this photo to show the unity of the protesters fighting for the opening of one of Kerry’s most important tourist sites.
The protestors took to the open seas to highlight their anger and Stephen captured the moment on water.
Stephen was awarded Gold in the Editorial category / Photojournalism section.
“I felt that the Skellig closure protest was an important subject and that my image was a strong one, which might grab the judge’s attention. I also hoped that by entering a European competition I might be able to shine some light on the beautiful part of Kerry, where I live and which has become important to me,” explained Stephen who lives on Valentia Island.
“Also, people photography has always been a particular specialism of mine, and I enjoy capturing interesting and eye-grabbing events, and try to be involved in as many as I can, while I’m still fit enough to wield a couple of heavy cameras and lenses.”
Stephen has been a professional photographer since the late 1970’s and has had his work published in newspapers, magazines and books all over the world. However he has never had much luck with competitions until now and he is delighted to have his photo capturing an important moment in Kerry history will seen on an international stage.
The European Photography Awards is a global platform that celebrates the power of photography as a form of storytelling, cultural reflection, and artistic expression. Op
“You can’t scroll past this year’s entries. They stop you, as every image feels like there’s a story behind it waiting to be uncovered,” said Thomas Brandt, spokesperson of IAA.
“That’s what made judging so difficult, especially with the level of execution. The award celebrates what has been achieved, and point toward where photography can lead us next.”