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WINNER
BLACK
& WHITE
SPIRAL STAIRCASES
JACQUELINE HAMMER
beta.1x.com/jhammer
Over the last few years, Cairns based photog- rapher Jacqueline Hammer says she has trav- elled frequently to London, where she’s had the opportunity to visit many of the beautiful spiral staircases that form her stunning port- folio. “I love architecture and in particular in- teriors and staircases, for their geometric and abstract look and also because the outcome of the photoshoot is not dependent on the weather,” she explains. “The first two photos are from the CitizenM Bankside Hotel – one angled view and one straight up view. The third is the Tulip Staircase at Queens House, Greenwich, and the last is one of the three staircases at the Newport Street Gallery.”
All the images were taken handheld in low light, and then converted into black and white “to bring out the details and give a more abstract and cohesive look,” she says. For the judges, the cool and subtle use of line and shape and perfection in application made this portfolio a standout entry this year.
WHAT THE JUDGES’ SAID
ALEX CEARNS: Every image in this series has strong visual impact and the per- fection in application of the black and white contrast makes the images pop. The circular flow of the staircases leads the viewer straight into the centre of the frame where something different sits as a surprise in each photograph. This series is a highly artistic, expertly crafted rep- resentation of the subject matter, which transcends the appearance of a standard staircase. Brilliant and beautiful!
DREW HOPPER: The strong geometry cleverly composed in each frame cre- ates bold and striking visuals to grab the attention of the audience. The im- ages have wonderful tone and contrast, which is exactly how black and white photography should be. Consistency is what really holds this body of work to- gether for me, with less proving more.
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