An echo through ages: the past vs. present photographic collection now looking for your contribution
JohnThomson100 X Social Justice Watcher
Introduction
John Thomson was a pioneering Scottish photographer, geographer, and traveler. He was among the first to venture to the Far East, capturing the local customs and folkways of China through his lens. Upon his return to England, Thomson continued his photographic explorations, actively recording scenes on the streets of London. Unlike many of his contemporaries who merely focused on portraits of the nobles and dignitaries, Thomson immersed himself among the common people, vividly documenting their livelihoods in a multi-faceted manner. Thomson's commitment to social documentation laid the groundwork for the later emergence of photojournalism, establishing him as a trailblazer in the field.
The contest
The photographic collection that participants will be using to compare their works to will be the fragments of the late Qing dynasty, captured by John Thomson during his travels in China in the 1870s. His landscape photographs showcase many of the places he visited from 1868 to 1872. His portrait and street scene images record the attire, customs, and occupations of the people he encountered. Among his works, Thomson provided detailed captions, explaining the scenes and subjects he photographed.
The Judges
The Commendation
The judges will conduct a rigorous selection process to evaluate all submitted photographs, and ultimately select 1-5 prize winners. The winning photographic works will be published on the competition's official website and major social media platforms. The winners will also have the opportunity to join the project's management team and receive a 200 RMB prize. It's worth noting that even if participants do not win, their submitted works still stand a chance of being publicly released.
Results & Awards
JT100 x SJW 2024
Grand Prize Winner
Jiayi Gu/ G12 The Kew Forest School
Gu's photographs are incredibly intriguing. She always manages to capture those fleeting moments in life, creating a subtle connection to Thompson's work from a century ago. From the different locations of her photo signatures, it’s evident that she travels often and uses her camera to document her experiences.
Among her works, I particularly love the sixth one. The composition is strikingly similar, creating a visual resonance that extends to the horizon of a winding road. It contrasts the differences between then and now: in architectural style, the atmosphere of daily life, and the vibrancy of the surroundings. It’s truly thought-provoking.
The photograph of the butcher's meat stall is also quite fascinating. A hundred years later, with the evolution of imagery, color has found its way into photographs. Compared to the black-and-white images from a century ago, this one is much clearer. The differences in the butcher's stall from then to now are evident: a century ago, there seem to be fewer tangled wires and lights. Over the years, electricity has become an inseparable part of our lives, adding layers of depth to this photograph that are immensely enriching.
Nomination Prize:
Charles Wang/ G11 Shanghai American School
Wang's works weave a tapestry of contrasts, each photograph a glimpse into the passage of time. In the first image, a boat gently floats; in the second, a figure stands in contemplation; and in the third, a Buddhist relief whispers stories of the past. These elements bear witness to a century of transformation.
A hundred years ago, boats danced with the wind, their sails unfurling like dreams upon the sea. Yet now, engines and steam have charted a new course, liberating explorers from nature’s whims.
Culture, too, unfolds like a scroll of history. The deep roots of Buddhist heritage invite reflection: how has this ancient tradition evolved over a century? This question beckons us, urging us to delve into the layers of time and uncover the beauty of change.
Nomination Prize:
Hai Yue/ G11 Shanghai Weiyu High School
Hai Yue's capture dances across a spectrum of subjects—street scenes, intimate portraits, and the embrace of nature. Each frame captures the profound transformations of the past century, offering a rich and nuanced exploration of change. The connections within her work resonate deeply: rather than focusing on today’s soaring skyscrapers, she turns her lens to the timeless grace of ancient architecture, evoking a sense of nostalgia that speaks to the heart of human experience.
In her portraits, both composition and choice of subjects shine with brilliance, revealing the evolution of humanity over time. Among them, a haunting black-and-white image emerges, stripped of color yet brimming with emotion. In the absence of hue, it poses a poignant question: when reduced to mere light and shadow, what truly unveils the shifts of a hundred years? This inquiry lingers in the air, inviting us to delve into the depths of time and memory, where stories of change await to be discovered.
-Closing-
Once more, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients! At the same time, we eagerly await submissions from history and photography enthusiasts alike. Outstanding works will have the chance to shine, finding their place on our website and across our social media, where their stories can inspire a wider audience.
If you would like to submit your work, please contact us via email at: tony.tang.2026@gmail.com.
FAQ
How many sets of comparative work am I allowed to submit?
What format should I submit my work In?
Where can I access John Thomson's photographic collection?
Sample
Begin your journey with John Thomson 100!
FROM June 29th -- August 3rd
1Capture a scene that matches with one of John Thomson's
And format them correctly!
2Submit your comparative photograph
Via: https://www.wjx.top/vm/mGxKF|4.aspx#
3Questions?
Contact
egj2sjgbx7q@hotmail.com
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