Generations: MEI's 2018 Photography Contest

The Middle East Institute (MEI) is proud to announce the winners of its second annual digital photography contest: "Generations.” First prize is awarded to Mohammad Shafai; Second prize went to Shahab Naseri; and Rawand Jawad was awarded third prize.

This year's contest, open to professional and amateur photographers around the world, drew over 300 entries in response to our search for photographs documenting the lives and traditions of past generations, the hope and aspirations of future ones, and the transitions between them.

The winning photos were selected by a panel of judges including professional photographer Larry Levin, photography editor Kathy Moran, MEI Board member Anne Keiser, MEI Vice President Kate Seelye, and Lyne Sneige, director of MEI’s Arts & Culture program. Criteria for selection included image quality, creativity, and adherence to the contest theme.

Six other photographs received honorable mentions. The photographers were: Andrew Courtney, Kristy Yang, Thana Faroq, Shene Salih, and Didi Cutler. A second entry by third-prize winner Rawand Jawad was also selected for honorable mention.

"This year’s submissions were especially strong and included a lot of powerful portraits," said contest judge Kate Seelye. "I think the theme of 'Generations' yielded photos that underscore the region’s strong ties between the generations, and also how young people in the region are forced to grow up very quickly as a result of the many challenges they face. There is pain in many of the photos, but hopefulness and resiliency as well."

Prints of the winning photographs will be displayed and auctioned at MEI's Annual Gala on November 7, 2018 in Washington, D.C.