Summer Showcase: A bleak future [Runner-up]

This is a photograph I took of the Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare. It was the predecessor to The Grand Pier and has been left in a state of decay. I used photoshop to enhance the image and create the final product. I created this piece when I was exploring the climate crisis and its potentially apocalyptic effects.

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Judge's comment

"A very beautiful photo with a good message. The use of photoshop to enhance the image was impressive and the colours came together really well." A bleak future was selected runner-up of the Established category of the 2022 Voice Summer Showcase

Anita Okunde

About the author

How long have you been practising this artform, and what first attracted you to it?

I have only been practicing photography and photo manipulation for about two years. I originally got into this medium during lockdown when I used to go around photographing the effects of the lockdowns.

How did you get started? Was there anything that you found particularly helpful?

I basically trawled eBay for a beginners camera and brought my Nikon D3300. I was also watching a lot of photography TikToks and YouTube videos to help me gain a stronger understanding of photoshop.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pick up the same artform?

I would always recommend learning to shoot in manual mode as you'll have greater control of the camera and the effects you can create. I also recommend practicing as much as you can.

Is there an achievement that you're particularly proud of?

James is a fine art student studying at Solent University in Southampton. They are a multimedia artist and typically works with paints, digital media, photography and printmaking. After originally going to uni to study hair and makeup design to further their hairdressing career, during their foundation year they stumbled into the world of art and decided this is what they wanted to do.