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Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 30th September 2019: Today Nikon announces it is the proud European sponsor of the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2019. The global competition, facilitated by FotoDocument, is designed to celebrate talented female photographers and highlight the positive power of photojournalism and documentary photography in raising awareness of important, yet under reported, social, environmental, economic and cultural issues.

Esteemed US born and UK-based photographer, Marilyn Stafford set up the award in 2017 to help women in this field receive the recognition they deserve. Marilyn’s own work documenting Algerian refugees in Tunisia famously made the front page of The Observer in 1958, bringing their plight to the attention of the world.

The now annual award grants £2,000 to enable a professional female photographer to complete a documentary photo essay while providing a platform for female photographers to promote their work in the traditionally male-dominated field of photojournalism. Nikon’s sponsorship recognises its continued commitment to nurture female talent in the photography industry.

Award founder and pioneering photographer, Marilyn Stafford said, “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Nikon for this year’s awards. As a Nikon user myself, its equipment has been a trusted companion throughout my career and has allowed me and countless other photographers to carry out our crucial work. Nikon’s support is integral to shining a light on some of the most pressing global issues and highlighting how women are helping to tackle these through the power of their photography.”

Rebecca Newton, PR Manager Nikon UK, said, “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award which is elevating the incredible work being done by talented female photographers across Europe and the rest of the world. Providing photographers with the equipment to tell their stories is at the heart of what we do. It is an honour to support those who are following in the footsteps of Marilyn Stafford herself to drive real change in the world through inspiring imagery.”

Applications are now open to female photographers at any stage in their career and of any nationality, providing they have completed at least one documentary photo essay which showcases positive solutions to the world’s biggest issues at a local or global level.

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts including Marilyn Stafford and Rebecca Newton from Nikon. The winner will be announced in December and will receive the grant towards their project in addition to having their final work screened at the Nikon School in central London to an invited audience.

About the award

Entrants must complete an application form and provide one existing body of documentary work on any subject, consisting of a minimum of 15 photographs, which demonstrates they can convey a coherent and cohesive visual narrative and produce outstanding images. Submissions close on 15 November 2019. Entrants must be over 18 and can be of any nationality. Please visit Marilyn Stafford or FotoDocument website for more information: https://www.marilynstaffordphotography.com/fotoaward
https://fotodocument.org/fotoaward/

About Marilyn Stafford

Marilyn Stafford was born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Her photography career was accidently launched in New York in 1948 when friends asked her to photograph Albert Einstein. Marilyn has gone on to cover a wide range of subjects including refugees, tribal peoples, international fashion and prominent historical figures. Despite retiring in 1980, she continues to pave the way for aspiring female photojournalists, setting up the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award in 2017 to provide a platform to promote the work of talented women photographers and to help redress the balance in a male-dominated industry. Marilyn now lives on the south coast of England.