Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke, course leader on MA Photography at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), has been announced as a finalist in the Documentary category at this year’s AOP Photography Awards.
The AOP Photography Awards, known as the Oscars of the photography world, celebrate professional excellence in the creative photography and image-making industry.
2025 marks the 40th AOP Photography Awards, which are open to all AOP Accredited Photographers and Assisting Photographer members.
Paul entered the Documentary category with a portrait of a couple experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth, titled Homeless Parents in Waiting.
“The image is part of a project I’m working on about the cost-of-living crisis and its effects across a broad range of society," Paul comments. "I’ve been shooting in Bristol, Bournemouth and Reading, expanding out into Oxford and London in an effort to cover as much of the south of the UK, and what is the richest part of the country.
“I met Alan and Sara in the Recovery Café at the Bournemouth Food Bank. Sara was pregnant and had been sleeping rough for months after being made homeless when her landlord sold the house she was living in, and she couldn’t afford anywhere else.
“Over the past few months of working on the project, I’ve been deeply shocked by what I’ve seen. The extent of deprivation and poverty is almost unbelievable. More than once, I’ve found myself asking, ‘Is this really happening in the UK? How have things been allowed to reach this point?’"
Alongside meeting people who are homeless, Paul has also spoken with many individuals living in vans and caravans parked on the street.
“Many are employed, hardworking people and yet still cannot afford the rents being asked by landlords in the area.”
Rhianon 'Rio' Argent, the Partnerships and Fundraising Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Bournemouth Food Bank, says, “We’ve faced a consistent rise in demand for our emergency food over the last few years. We know that this year with the cost-of-living crisis, energy crisis and housing crisis impacting the UK, we are sadly not going to see a reduction in demand.
“We’re thrilled that Paul’s powerful photograph of two of our food bank clients has reached the finals of such a respected competition. Food banks carry out so much unseen work within the community, and this image shines a light on just a small part of that.
“If the story behind this picture resonates with anyone, we encourage them to support our charity – whether by donating money, food or giving their time as a volunteer.”
