FotoDocument

02/07/2025

We’re delighted to announce that Jodi Windvogel is the Winner of the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2025 for their photo essay ‘Life Under Occupation: Inside Cissie Gool House & Cape Town’s Housing Crisis’. Jodi Windvogel is a South African documentary photographer and filmmaker whose work is rooted in long-form storytelling, often focusing on deeply personal narratives. Their photography explores themes of land, memory, gender, and displacement – always with the intention of challenging stereotypes and reframing how marginalised communities are seen and understood. With a thoughtful, intimate approach, Jodi captures moments of strength and vulnerability, creating space for empathy and honest conversation. They are a member of the African Photojournalism Database (APJD) and African Women Photograph, and in 2023, received the global Fujifilm GFX Grant for their powerful project on femicide in South Africa. ‘Life Under Occupation’ documents daily life inside a former public hospital in Cape Town that has been occupied since 2017 by over 1,500 people resisting displacement. Transformed into a self-organised community, the occupation responds directly to Cape Town’s deepening housing crisis.
On receiving news of winning the award, Jodi Windvogel says:
“I feel absolutely honoured to be receiving the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2025. Thank you so much to the entire jury for believing in my project. This recognition means the world to me. With this award, I’ll be able to continue and complete my work at Cissie Gool House – while also letting the community know that their courage, resistance, and stories are being acknowledged on a global stage. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to deepening and expanding the project with this support.” Congratulations Jodi🙌 for this incredible achievement!! Thank you as ever to our friends at Nikon for their continued support of this important focusing on making impact Nikon 🙏🏽 Thanks also to our international jurors Donna De Cesare Neo Ntsoma Productions Andrea Bruce Nina Emett

08/03/2025

Launching today, on International Women's Day: the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award of £3,000, facilitated by FotoDocument and supported by Nikon, is granted annually to a professional female photographer towards the completion of a compelling and cohesive documentary photo essay, which addresses an important social, environmental, economic, or cultural issue, whether local or global.

Apply here https://fotodocument.org/fotoaward/

The winner of the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award will receive £3,000 towards the completion of their project and an exhibition at The Foundry - A Place for Change in London! The call for submissions opens today until 5pm (GMT) on 16 May 2025.

This year’s jurors:

Andrea Bruce: ​​Photojournalist, Co-owner NOOR Photo Agency, Nikon Ambassador.
Donna De Cesare: ​​Photojournalist, Associate Professor, University of Texas at Austin.
Nina Emett: ​​​Director of FotoDocument, Curator, Documentary Photographer.
Neo Ntsoma: ​​​Photojournalist, Founder of Neo Ntsoma Productions.
Ana Maria Arévalo Gosen:​ Winner of Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2023, Photographer.

Image credit: Isabella Franceschini - Winner of the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage ward 2024.



NOOR
Nikon
Andrea Bruce
Neo Ntsoma
Donna De Cesare
Lina Clerke
Nina Emett

Please share widely to your international networks🙏🏽

Apply here: https://fotodocument.org/fotoaward/

26/06/2024

We are delighted to announce that the WINNER of the MARILYN STAFFORD FOTOREPORTAGE AWARD 2024, supported by Nikon, is Isabella Franceschini for her work 'THE LEAP OF FISH THAT DREAM OF FLYING. We extend our hearty congratulations to Isabella for this impressive and vitally important work.

'The Leap of Fish that Dream of Flying' acknowledges our changing and mutual relationship with the environment and sustainable development. Franceschini’s work focuses on the decommissioning of the Polesine Camerini thermoelectric plant, the largest in Italy, now inactive, which is set to be transformed into an eco-friendly tourist facility based on a project involving local institutions and the local population. The project documents the conflicting environmental challenges of this area since 2015. Humans have both benefited from this environment, through activities such as mussel farming, and yet also exploited it with the industrial site of the thermoelectric power plant. This transformation enables a renewed and balanced coexistence between humans and nature, paving the way for a future of unexplored and fertile possibilities.

The Jurors for the 2024 Award are: Andrea Bruce - photojournalist, co-owner of NOOR Photo Agency, Nikon Ambassador; Donna De Cesare - photojournalist, Associate Professor University of Texas at Austin; Nina Emett - Director of FotoDocument, documentary photographer, curator; Neo Ntsoma - photojournalist, founder of Neo Ntsoma Productions; Natalya Saprunova - winner of the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2022, photographer; Lina Clerke - honorary judge as Marilyn Stafford's daughter.

Isabella Franceschini says “The Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award represents a unique opportunity to share and highlight my project with a wider international audience, promoting awareness and understanding of the importance of preserving delicate ecosystems like the Po Delta. Furthermore, the Award could provide me with the necessary resources to continue documenting my work in this area and for producing a book that promotes sustainable development. Winning this Award is therefore an important step in advancing my commitment to environmental protection and the appreciation of an invaluable natural heritage. I express my deepest gratitude to all the members of the Jury and the FotoDocumentary Staff.”

To see the full project please visit: https://tinyurl.com/3r3u5xf5

18/06/2024

We are delighted to announce the Shortlist for the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2024, supported generously by Nikon.

See link below for the full list
https://tinyurl.com/3tbyndea

Each shortlisted photographer will be featured on our insta and other social platforms over the next couple of weeks.

We will announce our overall Winner & Honourable Mentions on 26 June with international judges Donna De Cesare Neo Ntsoma Productions Natalya Saprunova Andrea Bruce from NOOR Nina Emett & Lina Clerke.

Shortlist includes:
Andrea Hernández Briceño
Annamaria Bruni
Isabella Franceschini
Jennifer Carlos
Lys Arango
Margaret Mitchell
Marina Calderon
Martha Tadesse
Nathalie Bertrams
Sofia Navarrete Zur
Sujata Setia
Taniya Sarkar



Image credit: ©Jennifer Carlos (shortlisted photographer 2024)

20/05/2024

We are delighted to announce that the deadline for the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2024 has been extended to 5pm GMT on Friday 24th May. This prestigious award, supported by Nikon and facilitated by FotoDocument is for female photographers who are looking to make the world a better place by working on solution-focused photo essays. An Award of £2,500 will be given to one overall winner and Honourable Mentions will also be awarded. Our judges Donna De Cesare Neo Ntsoma Productions Natalya Saprunova Nina Emett Andrea Bruce Lina Clerke are looking forward to receiving your applications! Apply here: https://fotoaward.fotodocument.org/
Image credit: Ana Maria Arévalo Gosen

16/05/2024

One more day to apply to the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2024!

Facilitated by FotoDocument and supported generously by Nikon a grant of £2,500 will be awarded to a female documentary photographer to complete a photo essay with a focus on positive impact & solutions. Honourable Mentions will also be given.

The photo essay that needs funding must already be underway and at least one previous photo essay must have been completed to show track record.

The award is open to any female documentary photographer worldwide and it is free to submit.

Simple online application process with minimal questions & short answers.

Our international panel Neo Ntsoma Productions Andrea Bruce from NOOR Donna De Cesare Nina Emett Natalya Saprunova & honorary judge Lina Clerke (Marilyn’s daughter) look forward to reviewing your applications!

Deadline is Friday 17 May at 5pm GMT.

Please share!

Image credit: Ana Maria Arévalo Gosen

https://fotoaward.fotodocument.org/

15/05/2024

FotoDocument founder Nina Emett has written a short review below for Syd Shelton’s new book ‘Stills from Life’. He is one of the photographers we commissioned at FotoDocument ten years ago for our award-winning project ‘One Planet City’ on positive sustainability initiatives in Brighton & Hove. We have followed Syd’s work since and we’re so pleased that he’s bringing more of his archive out into the public space with this new book. His kickstarter for the book is included below!

“Stills from Life” by Syd Shelton

Syd’s photographs in “Stills from Life” are compassionate, rebellious, instinctive, courageous, and often humorous. From his first forays with a camera in Sydney in the early 1970s photographing Aboriginal and working-class communities in Redfern, to his work documenting the ‘Rock Against Racism’ movement towards the end of that decade, right through to the ‘culture & community’ commission he did for FotoDocument in Brighton & Hove ten years ago, Syd’s lens demands that the people and issues he champions are seen and heard. He captures intriguing moments ‘from life’ against unapologetic backdrops in his characteristically raw documentary style. His portraits are honest, engaging, beautifully crafted and his subjects trusting of his intentions. His use of light, geometry and composition create engaging viewing but it’s the beauty he sees in ordinary interactions that provides the real intrigue. Slogans, graffiti, and posters permeate Syd’s work, and serve to powerfully deliver the messaging and context which convey how he sees the world. There are so many stand out shots in this work - I’m proud to say I have three of them on my wall - but having now seen this book, I know I will be growing my collection. Thanks, Syd, for all you do for the good of humanity – you’re an increasingly rare breed of photographer.”

Nina Emett
Artistic Director at FotoDocument,

A 240 page photobook showcasing 50 years of the work of Syd Shelton

02/05/2024

I'm delighted to share our unique visual storytelling service. It focuses on solutions and positive impact through showcasing the ESG initiatives of our wide range of clients, which include local and global businesses, non-governmental organisations, and public services. We create compelling visual stories that combine photography, video, animation, and motion graphics, to inspire, energise and to create lasting positive impact.
Email info@fotodocument to book this service for your storytelling needs and please share to your networks.

Simon Roberts Poppy Berry Joanna Duchesne Caroline Cortizo Samantha Humble-Smith Joseph Hammond-Hagan Luca Sage, Luca Sage, Photographer. Chris Cousins

23/04/2024

Last year's winner of the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award - Ana Maria Arévalo Gosen - talks about what winning the award meant to her and how she would encourage female photographers to apply for the 2024 Award, which open until 17th May. Apply here: https://fotoaward.fotodocument.org/ and please share to your networks.

13/03/2024

The Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2024 opened on 8 March - International Women's Day - for the 8th consecutive year. The award of £2,500, facilitated by FotoDocument and supported generously by Nikon, is granted annually to a female documentary photographer towards the completion of a photo essay, which focuses on an important social, environmental, cultural or economic issue, whether local or global, that in part showcases positive solutions and impact. All shortlisted applicants are featured on the FotoDocument website and will be publicised by FotoDocument and Nikon. The Award is reserved solely for women documentary photographers, working on projects that are intended to make the world a better place and which may be unreported / under-reported. Women from any stage of their careers are welcome to apply, whether emerging, mid-career or established. They must already have started the photo essay for which they are seeking funding and able to show work in progress. In addition, they must already have completed at least one other documentary photo essay to demonstrate track record. Entrants must be over 18, they may be any nationality and based anywhere in the world. It is free to submit. Judges include Donna De Cesare Neo Ntsoma Productions (she/her) Andrea Bruce, Natalya Saprunova, Nina Emett and honorary judge, Marilyn's daughter Lina Clerke. Applications close on 17 May 2024.
Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eX2ABaXR
Please share!

Image credit: Maria Arévalo Gosen - Winner of the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2023 - for her photo essay "Grandmothers at 30" about combating teen pregnancy in Venezuela.

28/06/2023

Our 2023 Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage winner Ana Maria Arévalo Gosen. She says:
"I am deeply grateful for the honour of receiving the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2023. This prize is genuinely unique, extraordinary, and unusual because it emphasises the importance of showing positive initiatives and inspiring change through photography. As a Venezuelan, I am deeply motivated to document the solutions implemented by organisations working to prevent teenage pregnancy in my country. The award will help me raise awareness, foster safer environments for sexual and reproductive education, and contribute to a brighter future for Venezuela's next generation. Thank you to the jurors, and congratulations to all of the shortlisted artists!"

Image courtesy of the artist.

28/06/2023

Photographer Ana Maria Arévalo Gosen has been awarded the prestigious Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 2023, for her photo essay Grandmothers at 30, highlighting teenage pregnancy in Venezuela through a series of portraits of young women with their families, an intimate visual documentation of their lives, and the organisations trying to help them.

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Ana María Arévalo Gosen (b.1988) moved to France in 2009 to study Political Science and discovered her passion for photography. Now based in Madrid, she works as a freelance visual storyteller, focusing on women’s rights, and social and environmental issues. A National Geographic Explorer and member of Ayün Fotógrafas, she combines research and intimate stories to create emotional, honest narratives for social change. Her project “The Meaning of Life” documents her husband’s battle with testicular cancer, raising awareness and funds for male cancer research. “Eternal Days,” which explores women’s conditions in Latin American prisons, won multiple awards, including the Leica Oskar Barnack and Camille Lepage awards. Ana also received the World Peace Photo Award in 2021. Her work has been featured in international media and exhibited globally, including Fotografiska New York, Ernst-Leitz Museum, and Leica Gallery in Madrid, Miami, Taipei, and London.

Grandmothers at 30:

Venezuela faces the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in South America, exacerbated by the 2015 economic collapse and mass parental migration. Despite these challenges, positive solutions have emerged, empowering young mothers and addressing the issue’s primary causes. Various NGOs, such as the Niña Madre Foundation, provide young parents with tools for responsible parenthood and sustainable living. Collaborating with organisations and doctors, Ana will use the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award to continue documenting these kinds of initiatives to prevent repeat teenage pregnancies and provide education on sexual and reproductive health.

Stay tuned as we share more today about this year’s winner!
Image courtesy of the artist.