Images capturing the essence of Leeds life

They spend their days on the look-out for the eye-catching images that capture the essence of life in Leeds and wider Yorkshire.
The Bramley Mermaid..Yorkshire Aquatic Life, Bramley Baths, Leeds..Lucy Meredith dressed as a mermaid.6th September 2016 ..Picture by Simon HulmeThe Bramley Mermaid..Yorkshire Aquatic Life, Bramley Baths, Leeds..Lucy Meredith dressed as a mermaid.6th September 2016 ..Picture by Simon Hulme
The Bramley Mermaid..Yorkshire Aquatic Life, Bramley Baths, Leeds..Lucy Meredith dressed as a mermaid.6th September 2016 ..Picture by Simon Hulme

And now Yorkshire Evening Post staff photographers James Hardisty and Simon Hulme have had their work recognised in one of the country’s most prestigious competitions.

The pair, who between them have decades of experience working in Yorkshire, have been shortlisted in the regional photographer of the year category of the UK Picture Editors’ Guild Awards.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both are previous winners at the awards, but it is the first time the YEP and The Yorkshire Post have had two photographers nominated in the same category.

The West Indian Carnival, Chapeltown, Leeds.29th August 2016 ..Picture by Simon HulmeThe West Indian Carnival, Chapeltown, Leeds.29th August 2016 ..Picture by Simon Hulme
The West Indian Carnival, Chapeltown, Leeds.29th August 2016 ..Picture by Simon Hulme

Gerard Binks, Yorkshire Evening Post image editor, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to have two of our staff photographers shortlisted in the same category of the ‘creme de la creme’ of photographc awards. It shows the outstanding quality of images produced by our staff photographers every day.”

The UK Picture Editors’ Guild Awards recognise outstanding photography from the world of news, royalty, sport, business, fashion and entertainment. The annual awards event will take place in London at the Honourable Artillery Company Headquarters on March 27.

Ian Day, assistant editor of The Yorkshire Post, who led the judging panel, described the regional beat as one of “the hardest in the business”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “These photographers demonstrated their creative talent to bring routine ‘bread and butter’ diary jobs to life and engage with their loyal readers.”

Date:21st July 2015. Picture James Hardisty, (JH1009/64p) Behind the scenes in preparing Afternoon Tea at Betty's Craft Bakery, Plumpton Park, Harrogate. Pictured Sam Hartley, Confectionery Team Leader infront of a selection of miniature cakes, Grand Cru chocolate Raspberry Square, Fresh Berry Meringue, Miniature Battenberg, Orange Religieuse, Strawberry Macaroon, and Chocolate & Praline Slice.Date:21st July 2015. Picture James Hardisty, (JH1009/64p) Behind the scenes in preparing Afternoon Tea at Betty's Craft Bakery, Plumpton Park, Harrogate. Pictured Sam Hartley, Confectionery Team Leader infront of a selection of miniature cakes, Grand Cru chocolate Raspberry Square, Fresh Berry Meringue, Miniature Battenberg, Orange Religieuse, Strawberry Macaroon, and Chocolate & Praline Slice.
Date:21st July 2015. Picture James Hardisty, (JH1009/64p) Behind the scenes in preparing Afternoon Tea at Betty's Craft Bakery, Plumpton Park, Harrogate. Pictured Sam Hartley, Confectionery Team Leader infront of a selection of miniature cakes, Grand Cru chocolate Raspberry Square, Fresh Berry Meringue, Miniature Battenberg, Orange Religieuse, Strawberry Macaroon, and Chocolate & Praline Slice.

Describing the 11 categories, he said ‘’In 20 years time, imagine being an A-Level history student and coming face to face with the question - ‘Please explain 2016’. All they will have to do is look back at the excellent, powerful and highly emotive photographs in these awards. As press photographers, you have all collectively answered the question with your skill and talent - for this, you should all be rightly proud.”

Other nominees in the regional category are Charles McQuillan of Getty Images and freelancer John Giles.

Matthew Fearn of the Daily Telegraph said the images ‘were of a higher standard than ever before’. He said: “In an age when picture editors are encouraged to think about engaging, impactful and technically perfect photography, we should all be grateful that these talented and world leading photographers produce such powerful images on a daily basis.”