Spartan photographers honored in international photo contest

A garden in Japan, elephants in Myanmar and sunset in South Africa are among the winning entries in the 2019 Global Focus international photography competition. 

Now in its 20th year, Global Focus recognizes amateur Spartan photographers who have captured outstanding photos outside the United States. The contest is hosted by MSU International Studies and Programs, and aims to encourage international engagement by highlighting the unique perspectives of global Spartans. 

Twelve winning images were selected across three categories: Student, Faculty and Staff, and Alumni. A panel of Spartan judges chose first, second and third place based on creativity, composition and relevance to MSU’s international engagement. People’s Choice winners were selected through public online voting. 

Student

• First place —“Qiao’s Grand Courtyard,” taken in China by Jiawei Li
• Second place — “Mountain City,” taken in Mexico by Haoran Liu
• Third place — “African Magic,” taken in Botswana by Boitshoko Molefhi 
• People’s Choice Award — "Ukushona Kwelanga - Sunset,” taken in South Africa by Oyemolade Osibodu 

Faculty and Staff

• First place — “Infinite Light,” taken in Japan by Mark Wilson
• Second place —“Vamos con Todo,” taken in Mexico by Daniel Trego
• Third place — “In the Eye of the Beholder,” taken in Turkey by Lewis Cardenas
• People’s Choice — “Young and Old,” taken in Myanmar by Dalen Agnew

Alumni

• First place — “Bullseye,” taken in Japan by Sarah B. Hodge
• Second place —“Sprinting Toward the Past,” taken in Thailand by Eeda Walbank
• Third place — “Preparing a Snack,” taken in China by John Karagoulis
• People’s Choice — “Reflecting in Nishinomaru Gardens,” taken in Japan by Constance Wolfe

The judging panel included Ryan Frederick, videographer in the College of Arts and Letters; Elizabeth Houbeck, project assistant for the Global Youth Advancement Network; Tariq Muhamed, student assistant in the Japan Center for Michigan Universities; and Jennifer Brewer, program manager for the Tanzania Partnership Program.

The photos will be displayed in a gallery in the MSU International Center lobby, showcased on the ISP website and highlighted on ISP’s social media. 

For more information or questions about the competition please contact Danielle Fowler or call (517) 884-2131.