Image credit ‘A Hidden Community’ by Jennifer Charlton, winner of the MPB Scottish Portrait Award in Colour Photography 2024.
The RPS Women in Photography group is thrilled to announce that member Jennifer Charlton has made history as the first woman to win Scotland’s most prestigious portrait photography prize.
Scottish Portrait Awards 2024 - Press Release
A single parent of three hopes her photographic success will raise awareness around mental health and inspire others not to give up on their dreams.
Jennifer Charlton has scooped Scotland’s top accolade in photographic portraiture and £2,000 at the Scottish Portrait Awards 2024, becoming the first woman to do so.
The winning photograph is one of a series from Jennifer’s BA Hons degree titled ‘A Hidden Community’. Depicting volunteers – a mixture of friends and strangers, who each courageously shared their stories and encouraged others – ‘A Hidden Community’ portrays how we live in a hidden community where mental health doesn’t discriminate.
Of her work, Jennifer says, ‘The common denominator for those in my photographs to come forward was to help others. Anyone, anywhere at any time can be affected by mental health issues and everyone’s story is different. The subjects chosen are all diverse to demonstrate this.
When I took the winning image of John on a freezing cold February morning, I promised him I would do my very best to find a way to make this image successful in terms of getting his story out there. He had left home at 5am, sat in freezing cold water and was the perfect subject willing to do anything I asked to realise my vision. He had made himself vulnerable sharing his story to me and allowing it to go public. I just wanted John’s bravery and selflessness to be recognised. Of course, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it would win the MPB Scottish Portrait Award in Colour Photography.’
The winning image particularly resonates with the photographer as John’s mother is responsible for Jennifer buying her very first camera.
‘John’s mum Vicky supported me and got me through a very difficult time in my life. After I moved away to start again, she saw something in my first photos and believed I needed to pursue photography. One day I opened a card and she had sent me money telling me I should use it to “put towards my first camera”. It therefore gave me the permission I needed to buy something for myself when we were struggling to cover the essentials. Without Vicky’s vision and kindness, I would never have taken up photography. To win this award with her son’s portrait means everything. It feels like we have come full circle.’
Asked what being the first female recipient of the award means to her, Jennifer says, ‘For a number of years I’ve worked as a sports photographer in the male dominated arena of boxing. Every time I stand ringside as the only woman amongst all the other photographers, I hope one female might see me and decide she wants to try it as well. Going to college to study photography as a single mum, I had no idea how I was even going to find a weekly sitter for the evening class, the logistics of doing a degree was unthinkable. I hope to inspire others in difficult circumstances that anything is possible if you want it enough.’
Having achieved a First-Class honours degree, Jennifer is now focusing on the future. ‘It’s been a gruelling five years commuting from Duns, working and studying which I would not change for the world. My dream is to balance paid work through commercial, portraiture, editorial and sport to enable the continuation of documentary projects in my spare time, highlighting social issues to help others. I would love to be able to give back to charities who have supported me such as Woman’s Aid and be able to tell other people stories – that would be the dream’.
Open to anyone over 16 years, born, living or studying in Scotland, regardless of experience, the Scottish Portrait Awards has quickly established itself as a barometer of contemporary Scottish art practice, giving visibility to a mix of well-established artists as well as newcomers across a diversity of styles. The organisers of the awards and exhibition – the Scottish Arts Trust, also provide the Scottish Arts Trust Bursary Fund which is available to enhance opportunities for artists who require assistance to enter the awards.
The Scottish Portrait Awards 2024 exhibition is free and can be seen at the Scottish Arts Club, Edinburgh until 28 September 2024 before travelling to Duff House, Banff from 4 October 2024 to 31 January 2025 and to the Charles Rennie Macintosh Gallery at the Glasgow Art Club from 8 February to 27 February 2025.
If you have been affected by any issues raised, in the UK Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or you can contact Mind.
Congratulations Jennifer!
https://www.instagram.com/jennifercharltonphotography/
Become a member of the RPS Women in Photography group
We are a warm and supportive community of female and female-identifying photographers. Our goal is to create a positive and empowering space and to raise awareness of the importance of women photographers, both in the past and looking to the future.
As a member, you will have the chance to have your work featured in WE ARE Magazine and on the RPS Women in Photography website.
We also encourage members to participate in our regular photography competitions, which are promoted to the wider RPS and photography communities.
Our online meet-ups provide a platform for you to share your images, receive respectful feedback on your photography, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow members. Your unique work and perspective will always be valued in our collaborative space.
