‘Precision’ by Mike Smith, a kaleidoscopic shot down self-contained hydrodynamic bearings, manufactured by Rolls Royce Michell in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
In today’s world we are all photographers and apps like Instagram con us into thinking we are actually rather good (well, it cons me at least). But seeing the winning photographs from the EEF Photography Awards 2012 makes me realise just how amateur I really am.
Organised by the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and sponsored by Canon, the theme for this year’s national competition was ‘Made in Britain’ and entrants were challenged to submit photos that championed the spirit of manufacturing in Britain. Over 800 photos were submitted from across the country and 87 were shortlisted.
All the winning photographs really showcase how beautiful (yes beautiful) manufacturing is. I bet you’ve never seen bearings captured quite so beautifully as Mike Smith has in the photograph above, who walked away as the winner of the professional category.
The rest of the winners and runners up….
Runner-up of the professional category was Ray Troll’s ‘Watching and Waiting’, a shot of a BAE Systems’ all-British Unmanned Air System
Winner of the amateur category was Robert Watkins’ ‘Manufacturing a Filter’, a black-and-white image of a welder applying the finishing touches to a filter at Crofts Engineering Services
Runner-up of the amateur category was Steve Watts’ photograph of the iconic Infinity Bridge in Stockton-on-Tees at sunset
Winner of the young photographer category was Tamika Morris’ photograph of the UK-manufactured golden Olympic Torch against a black-and-white audience. This photograph also received the ‘2012 Icon’ award
Runner-up of the young photographer category was Shane Butler’s ‘Moulding Chambers’, a snapshot of casting moulds made at Chamberlin and Hill which are used in 21st century automotive and construction sectors
Terry Scuoler, chief executive at EEF, commented, “We are delighted to see that the quantity and quality of the EEF Photography Awards has grown year on year. Manufacturing is exciting and constantly evolving, and we are proud of all of our entrants who have helped us redefine the public perception of manufacturing with their eclectic range of images.”
