Beirut-based Irish photographer Andrew McConnell was an award winner at the Sony World Photography Awards, the Oscars of their genre – photojournalism and documentary. McConnell took third prize in the sport category for his images of escapism through the medium of sport. Entitled Leaving Gaza, his series captures the sport of surfing – an activity in its infancy in Gaza.
There are just 23 surfers who own boards; others borrow. International donors have helped to get boards and wetsuits into the territory. McConnell began his career covering the conflict in the Northern Ireland before moving into social documentary work. His work has appeared in publications such as National Geographic, Newsweek, Time and the New York Times. Mitch Dobrowner from the US was named Photographer of the Year 2012. Tobias Bräuning from Germany was announced as overall open winner.
