Faces of Leeds: Ethan's selfie strikes the right note

Taking a photograph that captures a love of sound and music is a tricky task for even the most seasoned snapper.

But Ethan Herman’s creative self-portrait hit all the right notes with the judge of the Changing Faces of Leeds exhibition’s public competition.

Ethan’s photograph took third place in the contest’s self-portrait category and is now on display as part of the hugely popular exhibition at Leeds City Museum.

In his submission, Ethan said: “This self-portrait is inspired by our senses, and in particular the relationship between sight and sound. My life revolves around music and I feel this picture displays my fixation with sound and how I listen to the world around me.”

Thousands of visitors have already flocked to the Changing Faces of Leeds exhibition to see photographs like Ethan’s alongside a unique collection of images both taken by the public and from the Leeds Museums and Galleries’ collection.

Commenting on Ethan’s photograph, the competition judge said: “Creative composition. The closing of the eye is different and really works.”

The exhibition includes modern photographs and mobile selfies as well as historic pictures spanning generations of people who have lived or worked in the city.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “What makes this such a special and exciting exhibition is that, at its heart, it’s about the people of Leeds and the many different experiences that have inspired them to pick up a camera and capture an image that will last forever.”

In late 2015 people were challenged to uncover some of the faces of Leeds today. More than 500 amateur photographers contributed, sending in their pictures to the museum team who then chose a selection to appear in the final display.

As well as showcasing the best of the competition the exhibition, which runs until June 5, features portraits from the city’s past. From early Victorian photography to modern day selfies, abstracts and studio portraits, the show captures the history of the people of Leeds from the 1800s to the present day.