Sophie Richards has been announced as the winner in the Photography category of this year’s Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA365).

-

Hailing from Queensland, Sophie is one of the youngest winners the program has seen to date, at only 20 years of age. She is the second Queenslander in a row to have taken out the coveted prize following on from Raphaela Rosella’s win last year. As a new graduate and about to embark on her honours year at the Queensland College of Art, Sophie will benefit from the prize, which includes $5000 in cash, $5000 in Qantas flights and a rare 12-month mentorship opportunity with celebrated photographer Polly Borland. Examples of Sophie’s work can be seen at  http://cargocollective.com/sophie-richards/.

Anna Turner of Berrima, Elize Strydom of Camperdown and Lyndal Iron of Sydney South have been named as the runners up in this year’s competition. Links to their work can be  found  at:
Anna – http://www.soya.com.au/entrant/anna-turner/
Elize – http://www.soya.com.au/entrant/elize-strydom/
Lyndal – http://www.soya.com.au/entrant/lyndal-irons/

SOYA has been instrumental in unearthing and nurturing young artists, designers, and creatives; helping them expand their horizons, build up their business and learn the ropes from some of the greatest creative minds in the world. This year the newly rebranded SOYA365 has also introduced four additional categories: Animation, Interactive Content & Gaming, Architecture & Interior Design and The Written Word. SOYA365 is open for submissions, with one new creative category closing every month. The next category up for grabs is the Interactive Content and Gaming category. All submissions can be made through the new SOYA365 hub at www.soya.com.au.