Speed is the key for Chester University photography graduate

A graduate from the University of Chester is celebrating international photography award recognition.

Michael Holden, who is from Neston, has achieved a Bronze, in the inaugural World Sports Photography Awards.

Michael graduated from the University in 2016 with a BA Hons in Graphic Design and Photography, and has since been working as a Graphic Designer in Liverpool. However, since he was a teenager, he has also been photographing motorsport at the weekends. His hobby has now led to a more professional role, with Michael contributing to media outlets such as leading classic car magazine Octane and occasionally working with leading national motorsports photography agency Jakob Ebrey Photography, covering national championships such as BTCC (British Touring Car Championships) and British GT.

Michael’s winning image portrays the action and energy in the pit stops at the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car race, in France. It won bronze in the Speed category, and was one of 24 chosen that produced the winning collection over the eight categories ­– Joy, Precision, Speed, Focus, Determination, Power, View, and Celebration. They were selected by a panel of sports industry professionals.

Michael said: “It is amazing to be part of a select few, especially with seven of the winning photos coming from Getty Images. Since then the gallery has been gaining lots of attention online, with appearances in both The Guardian and The Telegraph. Overall, it’s been a great opportunity to showcase my work to a worldwide audience and has given me the determination to keep producing the goods at future shoots, especially now, with motorsport events resuming.”

Dr Cian Quayle, Associate Professor, and Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Photography, said: “Michael was a dedicated student who developed a maturity and confidence in his practice as the course progressed. As his practice and skills developed, he was able to deploy his skills as a designer in combination with his passion for Photojournalism and Motorsports photography with a specialism in all forms of car racing. At Chester, Michael has since contributed to workshop mentoring portfolio and journal building sessions with current students, as well as sharing his experience and inspiration with final year students as part of our Department-wide Professional Practice input."

He added: “We focus on nurturing students as curious, independent thinkers developing their own visual identity, as they adapt responses to open ended assignment brief which allow scope for this. I believe this is what makes Chester’s course distinctive in its approach to exhibition and photobook publishing in particular as well as providing a springboard for graduates to find work in music and sports journalism, fashion photography, environmental portraiture, editorial and advertising roles as well as pursuing longer-term projects.” 

Michael’s shortlisted image has also appeared at a University exhibition earlier in the year. It was part of his piece for the Staff and Alumni exhibition (Nice to see you, to see you, nice) which was held at the CASC Gallery in Chester before lockdown.

To see Michael’s photo, and the other winners, visit:  https://www.facebook.com/WorldSportsPhotography/

Twitter - @WorldSportsPix

Instagram - @worldsportsphotographyawards

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/world-sport-photography-awards/

Pictured - ‘2019 Le Mans 24 Hours, France’, copyright Michael Holden.