South African Photographer Shortlisted for International Press Photo Contest

Renowned South African photographer Justin Sullivan has been shortlisted in two categories for the Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest – Top News/Single and My Planet/Series.

Justin says he feels very “honoured” and that “the hundreds of hours I’ve put in to be on the front lines of many topical issues in South Africa has been worth every second… I hope to continue using imagery to propel environmental conservation and education, and to create progressive constructive dialogue in South Africa.”

Stand Off

Justin’s powerful ‘Stand Off’ photo (see above) is one of six selected for the Top News category.

The photo shows a police officer pointing his gun at three occupants under a table, moments after shooting a 14 year-old boy – the middle occupant in this photo – at close range. The story made headlines around South Africa. After this incident, the protest over fishing quotas turned violent and led to three days of unrest in the Western Cape community.

Walking with Fire: Going Beyond

Justin’s series of photos depicting the brave men and woman who risk their lives combatting rampant wildfires in South Africa, has been shortlisted along with four others in the Planet category.

Justin – who specialises in Cape wild fires – describes the series as going beyond the public eye – “these men and woman face disaster head on in the mountains, on the urban wildland interface and from the sky.”

Justin was born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, but is now based in the Western Cape; and only started taking photography seriously three years ago… but in that time he has immersed with passion and dedication.

The Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest’s jury is made up from major international news agencies, outstanding photographers and world renowned photo editors.

Justin’s photos were selected from over 6,000 entries!

South Africa is one of 14 countries to have made it into the shortlist – from over 77 countries which entered the competition.

Online voting will take place between 1 June and 18 July, and the prizes will be announced on 6 August 2018.

Justin says: “A big thank you to all those who have assisted me through this journey, especially those in the wildfire industry…”

NCC Environmental Services said: “Well done Justin and you thoroughly deserve the recognition for the many hours/days you have put in into capturing those images and videos of wildland firefighters and related communities at work. It is a complete and utter pleasure working with you. #HotShotPhotographer #OneOfAKind”