Reed a finalist in international photography competition; voters can help.

May 7, 2015

The latest body of work by Ludington-based independent photojournalist Ryan Spencer Reed was recently announced to be a finalist for the 2015 Leica Oskar Barnack Award. Reed is one of 50 photographers from around the globe in the running out of 1,689 entries and one of only two from the United States.

While the award is judged by an international jury of esteemed individuals from the world of the photographic image, there is also an opportunity for a public vote award counterpart carrying a prize of 2,500 euros ($2,821).

Ryan Spencer Reed

The photographs, which depict a U.S. Army unit as it trains and ultimately is sent for a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

“I am humbled by the recognition this work is receiving both by the public as well as by established sources in my industry and I’m proud to be one of two photographers representing my country in a field of 50 finalists,” Reed said. “In addition to any tangible prizes, the validation helps me reach additional audiences with the issues raised by the work. My aim here is to bridge the gap of understanding between those who have been through war and those who haven’t. It is about raising the level of debate that our veterans need all the help we can offer them when they return home to identify avenues to a life of fulfilling purpose after combat.”

The most recent work also took second in the World Understanding Award, placed in Pictures of the Year International as well as finished as a finalist in the 2014 ArtPrize competition in Grand Rapids. It has also been featured in the LUMIX Festival for Young Photojournalism.

The winner of the “Leica Oskar Barnack Award” receives a cash prize of 25,000 euros ($28,218) and a Leica M camera and a lens worth over $11,000.

Reed is currently leading the public vote by 104 votes as of this writing. Deadline for voting is Friday, May 9.

To vote:

1. Register at the I-Shot-It site hosting the public vote contest by providing an email and choosing a password here.

2. Confirm the registration through a link in your email and log in to I-Shot-It (It may end up in your junk folder)

3. Cast votes (up to 5) for Reed’s work here.

To follow Ryan on Instagram: @ryanspencerreed1