2020 Photo Contest

After 8 years we are still in awe of the incredible experiences and images captured by the BU community and shared with us for the 2020 Global Programs Photo Contest. We had no idea when we chose the theme Changing World how dramatically we would all be experiencing change. Change that has come rapidly and change that we wish was faster but seems to be moving at a glacial pace. Each person who submitted a photo or photos to our contest shared their interpretation and experience of a Changing World in beautiful and moving ways as well as light hearted and heart breaking. We wish we could share all of the more than 500 photos we received, but we hope you enjoy the 20 finalists (10 in each theme) pictured below.

We want to thank our two guest judges for their expertise and perspectives. Returning guest judge Boston Red Sox Manager of Photography and BU Alum Billie Weiss and photojournalist and BU Today photographer Cydney Scott. Billie and Cydney were joined by 13 judges from Global Programs in selecting the winners. All judging was blind: the photographer, their affiliation, and the location of the photo is being reveled for the first time to our judges here.

Each year we share some fun facts about the submissions:

150 submissions from BU students, faculty, staff (current and retired!) from all BU Schools and Colleges, and a number of administrative offices, as well as alumni and a few non-BU students who were on BU Study Abroad Programs
Most photographed location: Machu Picchu
Pictures were taken in 23 states plus Washington D.C.
Italy was the most photographed country in Europe, with 37 photographs
The US just eased out Europe with the most pictures 168 vs 163. And surprise Boston was the most photographed city with 73 photos submitted
59 unique countries/territories were represented

We want to thank everyone who participated!