The old chestnut that a picture is worth 1,000 words has taken on new meaning in our increasingly connected modern world. These days, it’s easier to get your point across with a picture than with 1,000 words, or 280 characters for that matter.
So, if you’re looking to change public perceptions of manufacturing by reaching as many people as possible, thought-provoking treatises on Industry 4.0 or The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) may not be your best option. Indeed, your efforts could very well end up with the epithet every writer dreads: TLDR [Too Long, Didn’t Read].
The EEF manufacturers’ organization offers a good example of reframing manufacturing in just this way with its annual photography competition. Intended to “inspire and new image and improved public perception of UK manufacturing and engineering using photography,” the theme of this year’s competition is “Celebrating Everyday Manufacturing”.
The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers, and although the submissions must feature manufacturing in the UK, both British and foreign companies are eligible. The four categories for entry are:
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Next Generation: apprentices and young people engaged in production or training
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Future Technology: automation, robotics, digital and sustainable technologies
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Manufacturing Process: the journey from design and R&D to production
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Manufacturing Products: finished components manufactured in the UK
Winners will share a £5,000 prize fund and have their photos exhibited at the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2018 Gala Dinner, EEF National Manufacturing Conference & Dinner 2019 and the UK government’s Great Britain campaign. The competition is open until September 30th.
You can find more information on the EEF Photography Competition 2018 here.