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One Award I Won’t Witness – AOP Open Awards 2013

While I’ve been messing about on the North Sea showing off my survival skills, a panel of judges have selected one of my images to be shown at the 2013 Open Exhibition for the AOP (Association of Photographers).

AOP Open Awards 2013

I’m pretty happy with this as the AOP Open is the only competition where amateurs and professional members compete on equal terms. The judges have a completely open mind and choose images they believe are worthy of exposure, rather than those that might have a well-known name next to them.

Despite this, many well-known photographers champ at the bit every year to compete. It attracts a very high level of entries and is an accolade that’s difficult to beat.

Where to Find the AOP Exhibition

This year it was held at The Loading Bay & B3, Truman Brewery, Dray Walk, E1 6N, with a private and public viewings throughout October. I wasn’t able to make it as I needed to make sure I could get out of a helicopter that’s crash landed upside down on the North Sea on the dates they were open.

Truman Brewery – Courtesy of AOP

Ideal Homes for Freddy Kruger

As it has no categories though, I’m pleased this image has been selected, it’s one of my favourites after all. It’s dark, it’s moody, full of danger and a touch of The Chainsaw Massacre, perfect for Halloween.

An uninviting place, my image shows how this building basically deters anyone who dares to step closer. From the sinking mud like quicksand to the torture like iron contraption every part of the picture says stay away.

Of course, I couldn’t resist getting a little bit closer and capturing some of the scarier parts of rural life. It goes to show the grass isn’t always greener in the country!

Loading Bay Gallery – Courtesy of AOP