My Photo scholarship 2010 entry
Worldwide | Thursday, October 14, 2010 | 5 photos
Since its conception in 1948, North Korea has been a destination virtually off-limits to all but the most intrepid traveller. In recent years the country has slowly opened up to tourism, allowing visitors a glimpse of a secretive nation living in a bygone age. Even though their ‘Great Leader’ Kim Il Sung died in 1994, he receives God-like worship amongst inhabitants (photo 1).
There are two sides to North Korea. There is the successful, prosperous image the government promotes. Watching the 100,000 performers at the Arirang Games (photo 2) and visiting immaculate tourist attractions with traditionally dressed guides (photo 3) promotes such an image.
Beneath this bright exterior lies an extremely poor nation with chronic food shortages. Roads remain empty (photo 4), with only the military able to afford vehicles. At night power shortages cloak cities under a blanket of darkness.
Even with these difficulties, the Taedong River in Pyongyang, remains a beehive of activity (photo 5). Sacks of grain are loaded on to waiting trucks. Inhabitants laze around fishing and playing janggi, a traditional board game.
For the past eight years I've lived in locations around the world. Photographing my experiences and receiving awards for them has fuelled my interest in this industry. I’m happiest when photographing or travelling and combining these loves would be a dream come true.
I’m not walking in to this competition blind. I know the life of a travel photographer involves dedication, hard work and the willingness to work long, unsociable hours. It can involve travelling on cramped, local transport whilst attempting to communicate in new languages. I also know that I have the qualities to be successful in this profession, and would grasp the opportunity with both hands.
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