6 winning images from the 2018 SGS student photo contest
Please join us in congratulating the 6 winners of this year’s student photo contest!
Winners as well as honorable mentions were selected in six categories, and featured students from across Stanford Global Studies programs who traveled around the world pursuing research, language study, internships, and more.
Travel
Winner
“Cityscape” by Jack Gartland, Global Studies Internship Program
“I captured this image from the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower during my internship in Shanghai. I had been looking forward to seeing the view from the world’s highest observation deck for my entire internship, and when I finally had a chance to go during my last week, I was not disappointed. I love how the city appears to stretch on forever, and how the incredible height of the tower dwarfs even the other mega-tall skyscrapers in the city. I also like that you can see so many pieces of Shanghai’s history in the image, from the ultra-modern towers of Pudong (from which the image was taken), to the elegant remnants of colonial financial institutions on the Bund (along the river).”
Natural World
Winner
“Above The Storm” by Sophie Stuber, Program in International Relations
“This is a photo I took on Christmas while skiing with my mom. This is my favorite place in the world, on top of Highlands Bowl in Aspen. We had to hike up thirty minutes and it was a crazy snow storm with no visibility and then when I got to the summit, the clouds parted for three minutes and I took this photo before we were encircled again in fog and snow.”
Honorable Mention
“Bug Eyes” by Anne Duray, The Europe Center
“I took this photo at the archaeological site of Malthi in Southwestern Greece during the excavation season of summer 2017. While Greece is known for its vibrant culture and myriad archaeological ruins, it is also home to a thriving and diverse insect population. During the past three summers of excavation, when I’m not documenting Bronze Age walls and pottery, I’ve made a habit of trying to capture some of the smaller wildlife at the site.”
Honorable Mention
“Lake Marian Reflections” by Leigh Pomerantz of the Program in International Relations
“This photo depicts Lake Marian, a glacial lake in Fiordland National Park, in New Zealand. I took this photo while backpacking in New Zealand this past March. The reflection of the mountains in the glassy lake accompanied by the profound silence made for an incredibly special experience at the end of a long day of hiking.”
People
Winner
“Girl at the Supreme Court” by Samuel Garcia of the Center for Latin American Studies, Stanford University & the Program in International Relations. “Washington, DC, in the summer.”
Global Events
Winner
“Guardians of the Future” by Kira Smiley, Global Studies Internship Program
“I was an intern in Finland as well as Japan, but was able to take a work trip to Copenhagen, Denmark to travel with a Korean embassy team to see and learn about the wind turbines there. The view was beautiful, they looked like white soldiers protecting the city, and the air was quiet besides the soft beating of the blades on the wind. The curved line of wind turbines embodied the commitment Denmark holds to pursue a future focused on clean energy.”
Altered Images
Winner
“Disco Lights” by Nicole Kim, Center for East Asian Studies
“I made this ‘mini chandelier’ and hung it on my windowsill so that in the morning little rainbows are sprinkled around my room. One night, I was busy studying late when I noticed that the crystals reflected bright colors from other lights in my room. No matter how stressed I was about my future, it was a good reminder that there is always beauty and light if you know where to look.”
Popular Vote
Winner
“Grow!” by Katherine Irajpanah, Program in International Relations
“While studying abroad in Spain, I had the opportunity to travel one weekend to the Basque Country. I visited Vitoria-Gasteiz — the Basque capital — and encountered a playful mix of medieval and contemporary art. Walking along castle-like walls, I stumbled upon an alley way with stunning contemporary murals. The one pictured here is “Eskuz Esku,” which means “Hand to Hand” in the Basque language. The mural is part of a broader project in Vitoria to promote democratic expression. I love this image because the colors and style evoke a vibrant celebration of the Basque culture.”
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