Honest Agriculture, a collection of photographs offering a glimpse into the real world of farming, has won the national LPA Graduate Award for the best photography series.
Jac Williams, who is originally from north Wales and is a final year BA (Hons) Photography student at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, won the prize for his series of photographs taken at his family’s farm in Glyndyfrdwy, near Llangollen.
The 22-year-old explained that the inspiration for the photographs came as a way of explaining his own background to fellow students. Jac said: “After I’d moved to Cambridge I showed some photographs of where I grew up, and someone said they hadn’t seen anything like it before.
“Until I started discussing it with people who weren’t from a rural background, I didn’t realise how little appreciation and understanding there was of Britain’s farms, particularly small family-run farms which are worked all-year round. I was keen to document the culture I grew up with and hopefully winning this award can help me to share this with an even larger audience.”
Kerstin Hacker, Course Leader for both the BA (Hons) and MA in Photography at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “Jac’s series Honest Agriculture does what a good photographic documentary series should do. It is current, well researched and the photographer has a deep understanding of the subject matter.
“Using beautiful light, Jac has really captured the hardship and determination of the farming community. His research discussed both history and current climate in the farming sector in north Wales, looking particularly at the impact of Brexit on small-scale farming.
“Jac has grown into a photographer who knows what his story is. It was a joy to see how Jac took on board every bit of feedback and ran with it. Honest Agriculture has a very strong narrative, clear vision and professional execution. I am truly pleased for Jac and delighted that LPA recognised his potential.”
The award, organised by the London-based LPA photography agency, has seen Jac receive a number of prizes including a mentoring session at the company’s Covent Garden headquarters.
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