Leeds mum's lockdown snap of newborn wins nationwide photography competition

Chelle Lundy was the overall winner of a contest to find the nation’s most iconic lockdown snap.

Her winning entry shows her tenderly cradle her three-week-old son Jorek who was born in lockdown. She is joined by four-year-old daughter Blyth.

The 35-year-old from Rothwell, is also mum to girls Bryar, two, and Zara 12, who suffers from leukemia.

Chelle said: “This is us feeling safe in our bubble at home, and looking out at the world during lockdown.

“I had Jorek by homebirth in the middle of the outbreak. My daughter was shielding at the time, so as a family we spent all our time together indoors - getting to know our new arrival.”

“I do photography as a hobby and don’t have much confidence, my friends and family make nice comments about my photos but the fact that the judges have noticed this one gives me a real confidence boost.”

The winners of the competition were decided through a combination of a public vote on competition organisers Cartridge Save website and the input of a panel of expert judges - freelance newspaper and magazine journalist Deborah Linton and national press photographer Mark Waugh.

He said: “The soft window light contrasting with the dark interior draws you in to the lovely moment of a mum and her newborn.

“I feel the light coming in through the window represents the freedom of normal life with the dark interior representing being trapped inside. Others might think the interior is the safe environment with the light representing the dangers of the outside world.

“I think that’s part of the delight of this image: It will tell a different story dependent on different imaginations.”

Ian Cowley, managing director of Cartridge Save, said: “We’ve had some fantastic entries to the competition, and it’s been incredible to see how people have coped during lockdown.

“These images showcase how families and friends have adapted to a new way of living from all over the UK, and these photographs will be a part of history for future generations to look back on forever.

“Huge congratulations to Chelle - her entry really blew us away by capturing so sensitively a really tender family moment.”

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