Photography Comp Winners 2024

St Cross College’s Art Committee is delighted to announce the top three winners of the annual St Cross Photography Competition.  

This year's theme was 'Borderlands,' which was interpreted broadly, and the content was judged by the College’s Art Committee, who awarded the cash prize of £150 to the winner.  Over 45 photographs were entered to the competition, and the top three will be displayed on digital screens around the college. 

1st Place Winner: "Beyond the Great Wall, China" by Natalie Steer

In first place was Natalie Steer’s entry entitled “Beyond the Great Wall, China”. We caught up with Natalie who told us the inspiration behind her photo: 

"The photo was taken back in 2019, the summer of my undergraduate. My friend and I had just finished volunteering in China, teaching English in a summer school. We were spending the remaining time exploring other areas of the beautiful country. We wanted a more authentic experience of the Great Wall, away from the busy crowds. We set off on a venture that in retrospect was perhaps not so safe, and there were moments where we realised why certain parts are not open to tourists. The damaged ruins were unsteady, and the climb was steep. However, once we reached one of the ancient watchtowers to set up camp, we felt the near-death experiences were worth it. I wanted to capture the spectacular view, and we stayed up to watch sunset and sunrise. I was truly honoured to be announced as the winner of the St Cross Photography Competition, and I hope the photo reminds people of some of the wonders that can come from walking the road less travelled!"

2nd Place Winner: "Bridge" by Guopeng Chen

In second place was Guopeng Chen’s entry entitled “Bridge”. Speaking about his photo Guopeng said:  

"I took this photo in a park in Shaoxing, a city with long, outstanding cultural tradition in eastern China. The photo is trying to capture a seemingly transitory moment but in fact an enduring process of boundary-crossing. Bridges cross the borders of land and water. This traditional Chinese-style bridge contrasts the skyscrapers in the background, crossing the borders of tradition and modernity. I’m very happy to be awarded 2nd place in the competition and I’m very glad to share with all my photography."

3rd Place Winner: "Escaping from the reality of global warming" by Clinton Yeo

In third place was Clinton Yeo's photo "Escaping from the reality of global warming". Discussing his inspiration for the photo Clinton said:

"I took this photo when I was in Norway, Tromsø. I went up to Storsteinen mountain, the highest point of the city, to take this photo. I was in awe of the natural beauty of the landscape when I was atop the mountain as there were panoramic views of Tromsø and the fjords. I was inspired to take the shot because I noticed that the snow caps were melting, and it reminded me that the earth is warming due to climate change. The boat in the picture added an illuminating juxtaposition of a man-made object in the photo to show how many of us are running away from confronting the fact that global warming is real and we should do something about it." 

The art committee would like to thank everyone who entered and congratulate our winners. Their photos will be displayed on the college digital screens until the end of the year.