The official shortlist has been unveiled in the 'Concrete in Life' global photography competition, celebrating the beauty and essential role that concrete plays in communities and the built environment worldwide.
More than 14,000 entries were submitted from every major continent by both amateur and professional photographers for this year's competition, run by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA).
A shortlist of 80 of the best pictures has been drawn up from more than thirty countries, with a chance of claiming the US$10,000 prize for the overall winner and $2,500 for each category winner.
Concrete is the second most-used substance on earth after water and is vital in modern infrastructure and society. The GCCA is helping the industry reduce its environmental impact by implementing its 2050 Net Zero Roadmap – the first heavy industry to set out such plans.
People worldwide were invited to enter photos in eight categories – concrete infrastructure, concrete beauty and design, urban concrete, and concrete in daily life, with each section divided between amateur snappers and professional photographers.
The shortlisted photos' breadth and variety illustrate how concrete supports life around the world, from the giant to the small form, and highlight the material's grace, beauty, and structural integrity. They include shots of dramatic infrastructure: a lighthouse in Argentina, a bridge in Nigeria and a dam in Iran, as well as sea barriers, piers and urban landscapes. Other stunning images include concrete used creatively for skateboard tracks, flowerpots and internal and external designs.
The winning photo in each category will receive US$2,500 and be announced in a live Instagram broadcast on 15th February. The overall "Concrete in Life" Photo of the Year winner will be unveiled at the same event and will win a $10,000 top prize.
Thomas Guillot, GCCA chief executive, said: "We know just how important concrete is to infrastructure, modern life and communities across the globe. We were amazed by the number and standard of this year's photos, with so many capturing the majesty and beauty of such a versatile material. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit entries, and good luck to all those shortlisted."
