Photography

The Indian Photo Festival Portrait Prize 2021 Finalists and Winners

The ‘Indian Photo Festival’ PORTRAIT PRIZE 2021 is a portrait competition open to photographers from the Indian subcontinent. Photographers have been making portraits for centuries and what’s so interesting about portraiture is its ability to capture the essence of a person, a time period, or a culture. This award aims at discovering the compelling portraits and extraordinary talents.

Cartin: Winner by Sujata Setia

“I’ve never been photographed like this before… with all of my scars, I mean.” Catrin said.

It left us both thinking of what is the limit on scars? How much can we see? Are we all becoming a part of the world where scars need to look “pretty” too? Just enough, so we can use them to remind ourselves that our lives are better?

But not too much… so we can bear looking at them?

Catrin was returning from a Ski trip in the French Alps, when the coach’s brakes failed and the crash happened.

96% of her body suffered third degree burns leaving her with a 1 in a 1000 chance for survival. Following three months in coma, 200 surgical procedures and 4 years of rehab, Catrin defied destiny.

To the prying eyes that meet her every time she steps out of the house, she looks back at them with tenderness and empathy.

“If my scars make you feel better about yours then I am happy for you. I understand you. And that’s what I expect from you as well. Empathy, not sympathy. My scars make me special… unique… differently beautiful. They are life’s brush strokes… and I am in love with this painting.”

More: The Indian Photo Festival, Instagram h/t: 121clicks

Watch Repairers: Second Prize by Kushal Gangopadhyay