Marianne Olaleye, a Nigerian photographer has emerged winner after her selection in the Portrait of Britain shortlist for her portrait of Aisha.
The British Journal of Photography organises the photography competition, which is all about inclusivity, celebrating differences and similarities in the United Kingdom.
The Portrait of Britain competition, now in its third year, received 13,000 entries from amateur and professional photographers alike.
Entries were judged by Simon Bainbridge, editorial director of the British Journal of Photography; Caroline Hunter, editor of the Guardian Weekend Magazine; Olivia Arthur, Magnum Photographer\; and Martin Usborne, co-founder of Hoxton Mini Press.
Appraisng the entry of Marianne Olaleye, the organisers said:
“She is a master who has also photographed men and everyday life on the streets. She believes that each person has a story to tell and so she aims to give them the centre stage while showcasing the universality and raw, natural beauty of women. This is while hoping that her images will play a role in improving media representations of beauty.”
The 200 photographs shortlisted for the exhibition will also go to print in a Portrait of Britain book for the first time.
Portrait of Britain winners will have their work exhibited on JCDecaux screens on British bus stops, high streets and in train stations, as part of the biggest exhibition of contemporary portraiture ever held.
Maryanne’s clientele includes, Aftenposten-Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, LSE Africa Summit, FORWARD UK and Bridge Models among many others. Her work has been published in renowned international newspapers such as Aftenposten and The British Journal of Photography.
