Photography Student Wins Epson Sustainability Competition
Level 3 Photography student won a sustainability competition with Epson, resulting in her work being showcased at one of the UK’s largest photography events.
The competition, titled ‘Sustainability Through Your Lens’, invited students from West Herts College to explore environmental sustainability and express it through a single, powerful image.
The winning entry was created by Crystal Carey, whose photograph Life Reclaimed impressed judges with its exposure, clarity and thoughtful interpretation of the theme. The image captures a plant growing through discarded rubbish, symbolising renewal and hope within environmental damage.
Crystal’s work was exhibited on the Epson stand at The Photography & Video Show, giving her the opportunity to showcase her photography to a national audience at a leading industry event.
Polly Chapman, Channel Marketing Manager at Epson UK said: “It was a pleasure to award the prize to Crystal for her striking photograph. Life Reclaimed captured the theme of environmental sustainability in a powerful way and impressed the judges with its strong technical quality and creative interpretation.”
As part of the competition, students responded to a professional brief set by Epson, gaining experience of working to real industry expectations. Opportunities like this help students develop creative confidence, refine technical skills and understand how their work can be applied in professional settings.
Crystal said: “This experience has really boosted my confidence and helped me see what I’m capable of. I wanted to show the impact pollution can have, but also that nature can recover. The plant growing through the rubbish represents hope and positive change. Having my work exhibited at such a large photography show is an amazing opportunity so early in my career.”
The partnership between the College and Epson created a meaningful and practical learning opportunity for students, linking sustainability with real‑world experience.
Inspired by Crystal’s success? Start your own creative journey by studying Photography at West Herts College.
