LCD THis Working Life Photography Award

One of Conor O Mearain's winning images.

Press release:
Conor Ó Mearáin, 38, originally from Dublin, was one of 13 student photographers selected from HE colleges and universities in England, Scotland and Wales to work on site at selected companies to produce a series of images from a given brief aimed at interpreting life within the  companies, hence the project name 'This Working Life'.

Conor's work site was the Britton Taco factory in Winsford, Cheshire, which specialises in the extrusion and conversion of polyethylene film.

Conor says of his images taken there: "As a photographer mainly interested in photographing people, I found myself seeking the quieter parts of the plant to engage with the workers on a more personal level - the shop floor was a busy, noisy place that required ear muffs or ear plugs. The smoking room provided a space where I could meet staff on their own terms, and four out of five of my portraits were made there; I was mindful that these short breaks are a time for workers to regain a sense of self. The fifth portrait was made at the end of a shift in the engineers' shop."

Practising photography professionals also led photography workshops for employees at the selected companies, encouraging them to interpret their own working environment through the medium of photography. Employee participants were then invited to submit material to a special category of the competition, which was won by Emma Naji of bigHand. Work produced for the  project will enjoy an exhibition tour of over the summer.

Judges for the Award were:

• Celina Dunlop, picture editor, The Economist.
• Mark Haworth-Booth, senior research fellow, London College of Communication and honorary research fellow at the V&A.
• Lorna-Mary Webb from photographic agency Rhubarb-Rhubarb.
• Paul Herrmann, freelance editorial photographer and director of Redeye.
• Michael Taylor, editorial director, Insider magazine group.
• Rob Pendleton, marketing director, Lloyds Development Capital.

Further information about This Working Life - The LDC Photography Award is available on the Award website www.thisworkinglife.co.uk.