/ 2025 / Portraiture / Culture

• Prize
  Honorable Mention
• Photographer
  Pamela Hanlan, United States
• Date of Photograph
  September - November 2024
• Instagram
  nonnie9975

This series began in Scotland when I discovered the trend in the late 1800's discouraging women to ride bicycles. It lasted about 2 years. Women were told that riding bicycles would lead to a distorted face (puffy cheeks, pouty lips, flushed face, etc.) The idea was to discourage the independence riding gave women and prevent the changes in clothing trends as more comfortable styles were introduced. My friend and artist Helen Joy made the masks, and I found a discarded bike. The women (young and old) did the rest. The series continued in the US.

I am a Fine Art photographer interested in storytelling, curiosity, and a lifelong desire to explore the world visually. After raising five children and living many roles—daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, widow, and partner—I discovered photography later in life. Nine years ago, my partner gave me my first camera, and in 2020 we transformed an old woodworking shop into my studio. Since then, I have dedicated myself to learning, experimenting, and creating work that reflects the stories I’ve carried for decades.

Awards 2026 - Glasgow Gallery of Photography
Juried Exhibition (two separate selections)
2026 - Decagon Gallery
Juried Online Exhibition, Contemporary Fine-Art Photography 2026 - Chelsea International Fine Art Competition Selected Artist
Awards & Recognitions
2025 - PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris
Silver and Bronze Awards
2025 - Budapest International Foto Awards
Silver Award
2026 - Der Greif
Publication
2026 - Decagon Gallery RED
Publication