Nabila Photography Prize Winner

The winning entry, taken by Alexander Sauer (2019 MSc Statistical Science).

On the 17 November, we launched the first Nabila Walji Photography Prize, in memory of Nabila Walji (1993-2022).

Nabila was a writer, photographer, epistemophile and anthropologist studying Visual, Material and Museum Anthropology MSc at Keble who sadly passed away last year. Nabila loved capturing the world around her, and her family and friends felt the prize was a fitting memorial and tribute, encompassing Nabila’s love of learning and life.

Entrants were asked to submit photographs that encapsulated their world through the photography lens, showcasing beauty, even in the mundane.

More than 200 images submitted by 32 students between November and February, including photos taken in the Netherlands, New York, Newfoundland, the Romanian mountains, Paris and Oxford.

The judging panel, which included British portrait photographer Fran Monks, the Warden, our Communications Manager and representative from both the JCR and MCR, had a difficult time selecting a shortlist, to enable Nabila’s family to choose the overall winner.

The winning image was taken by Alexander Sauer (2019 MSc Statistical Science), as part of his 5-image submission for the prize, described the it as “just a picture of a moment that makes you pause for a second”.

When selecting the winner, Nabila’s family commented:

“They were all beautiful. Nabila saw beauty in the mundane daily through her lenses… and one of the most photographed images in her portfolios was the rising or the setting sun. This picture depicts that so wonderfully.”

The next Nabila Walji Photography Prize will open at the start of Michaelmas 2023.