Getty Images photographers recognised at World Press Photo Awards across multiple categories

Getty Images photographers have been honoured at World Press Photo, the world’s largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest, with four individual awards testament to the great strength and depth of the company’s editorial talent.

Australian based Getty Images photographer, Cameron Spencer, took out second place for his work during the 2016 Australian Open, for his image titled The Dive – a shot of French tennis player, Gaël Monfils.

The full list of Getty Images 2017 winners include:

·       Cameron Spencer, a Getty Images Sports photographer took home second place Singles in the Sport category for his extraordinary image of Gaël Monfils of France as he dives for a forehand in his fourth round match against Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia, during the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park, Australia.

·       Brent Stirton, a world-renowned photojournalist and staff photographer at Getty Images was awarded first prize Stories in the Nature category for his work covering the illegal killing of the Black rhino, poached for its horns. Black rhino are one of the most endangered rhino species. The story was commissioned by National Geographic magazine.

·       Paula Bronstein, a Getty Images Reportage photojournalist takes first place Singles in the Daily Life category for her work covering the victims of armed conflict in Afghanistan which was shot on assignment for Pulitzer Center For Crisis Reporting.

·       Laurent van der Stockt, a Getty Images Reportage photojournalist was awarded first place Singles in the General News category for his image of a family having their house searched by the Iraqi Special Operations Forces in Mosul, who were looking for Daesh members, equipment or evidence. The Iraqi Special Operations Force leads the fight against Isis in Iraq. Laurent van der Stockt was shooting on assignment for Le Monde.

The 2017 contest saw over 80,000 entries submitted by over 5000 photographers from 125 countries worldwide.

Says Pancho Bernasconi, vice president news, Getty Images: “We could not be more proud of our very talented staff photographers and the fine photojournalists represented by Getty Images Reportage selected for World Press Photo honours. The need for powerful imagery which informs, inspires and entertains is greater than ever. Getty Images remains committed to shining a light on the important stories of today and it is an honour to have this recognised by World Press Photo’s distinguished jury.”

Commenting on his place in the Sports – Singles category, achieved with his perfectly timed photo of Gaël Monfils, Getty Images’ Cameron Spencer outlined the importance of the competition and the light it shines on a range of issues and events around the world.

Says Spencer: “World Press Photo is an annual reflection of the year that was, through the lens of a photojournalist. It provides an opportunity for the industry and broader communities to look back at the moments that moved us, awed us and challenged our thinking. When I captured Gaël Monfils dive for the ball at last year’s Australian Open, I knew it was a rare moment to catch and one that not many people would see.

“The sun was in a great position, and the light was incredible. Monfils was wearing a red shirt that just popped against the blue court. I couldn’t believe it when I saw I had also captured the ball in the shot and how high he had jumped – it all just came together for a perfect action photograph.”

Says Stirton: “I’m always blown away to win, especially as I spend so much time digesting the amazing work that photographers do throughout the year. I look at our news guys and how they strategize to cover big events in record time and it’s humbling to see that precision in action. I say the same about our sports and entertainment photographers. There is a lot of talent out there.”

In the past 10 years, Getty Images’ photographers have been recognised with over 40 awards at World Press Photo. This includes Spencer Platt’s image of a group of young Lebanese driving through a Beirut neighbourhood, after an Israeli bombing, which received World Press Photo of the Year in 2006.

To view the winners of World Press Photo 2017, visit www.worldpressphoto.org.

Canon Australia will be displaying the complete World Press Photo exhibition at the State Library of New South Wales from 27 May to 26 June 2017.