Former EADT snapper scoops awards

By Sharon Asplin

FORMER East Anglian Daily Times photographer Nicky Lewin has scooped two prestigious awards in an international competition for humanitarian photography.

Mr Lewin, from Manningtree, has just returned from Washington, where he was presented with the awards at a ceremony attended by U2's Bono and America's Defence Secretary Colin Powell.

He was awarded first prize in the Disaster Response and Refugees category of the competition run by U.S.-based international development and humanitarian organisation, InterAction.

His photograph of Ethiopians drinking from a newly-installed water pipe taken on an assignment for CARE International was among the winning images in seven categories. He also picked up second place in the "job skills" category for a photograph entitled Shoe Repair.

Mr Lewin's winning photographs were among a display of amazing photography submitted by photography professionals around the world demonstrating Effective Assistance.

He said: "I haven't quite come down to earth yet. It is a fabulous honour for me that my work has been recognised in this way together with some of the most talented photographers in the world."

Mr Lewin's assignment for CARE International took him to Rwanda, the Congo and into Ethiopia, an experience that he found both devastating and uplifting.

"Africa is wonderful - great people, great rhythm, great scenery - and always a surprise or two. I have been going there on and off for 10 years now and my love for the continent is a deep and growing one," he said.

"At times it makes you want to weep it can be so cruel and sad. Other times it can make you want to weep because it is so beautiful. Hearing African children sing for instance, is awesome and divine."

Mr Lewin, who operates a full-time freelance photography business from his base on the Essex/Suffolk border, is no stranger to awards. He was twice named BT London and Northern Home Counties Photographer of the Year.

sharon.asplin@eadt.co.uk