Readers again came out in force to submit their finest photographic work capturing the action, drama, artistry and effort that goes into designing and constructing the built environment. We received just over 1,000 photos from around the world for ENR’s annual Year in Construction Photo Contest issue. Submitters range from professional and amateur photographers with the latest image-capturing technology to craftworkers armed with nothing but a smartphone and their behind-the-scenes access to provide a unique perspective.

The formidable challenge of narrowing the copious entries to just 50 selected fell to this year’s panel of judges: Alexandra Ditoro, social media manager, BNP Media; Matthew Gerstung, director of corporate safety, Schimenti; Jonathan Keller, associate editor, ENR; Michael Moran, Michael Moran Photography; and Paul Pendergast, president, BuildIT and CEO of Pendergast Consulting Group.

“The images submitted by companies and individuals from around the world were simply outstanding,” Pendergast says. “The unique perspectives captured in the images were powerful, thought-provoking and incredibly vibrant.”

Ditoro says that normally when she walks by a construction site, she doesn’t give the building process much thought, but judging helped her understand the sheer scope of the work and the number of people and breadth of skill needed to do it. “Looking at all these people, these projects and the thought and work it took, made me realize that construction is community,” she says. “Bridges to cross, roads to drive, churches to worship in, homes to live in, skyscrapers to work in—I don’t think you can have a strong community without these literal building blocks.”

Judging occurred in ENR’s Empire State Building office over a single day, with Senior Art Director Scott Hilling at the helm guiding the panel through the process. “Having to judge so many photos meant that there wasn’t time to overanalyze anything, which was great for me,” Keller says. “I just had to go with my visceral reaction to each photo.”

The choice between eight photos shortlisted for the ENR cover spot fell to you as readers. After thousands of people participated in our online poll, more than 50% of votes were cast for the image you see on the issue cover. See p. 2 for more about the photo site and the photographer.

By Scott Blair, Editor-in-Chief

 

---

Throughout the 1,000+ submissions to this year’s photo contest, photographers from around the world seemed to be in sync with their intended subject: the construction worker.

Front and center, image after image, workers of all types are shown up close and from afar in an array of tasks, actions and poses.

“The photo contest submissions amaze me year after year,” says Scott Hilling, ENR senior art director. “As we go through them a theme emerges that is always different from the years prior. It’s really cool to see the construction industry come to life through the photos.”

As you dive into the 42 winning photos and 8 honorable mentions in this special issue, be sure to study each in detail and imagine you were the photographer.

What was he or she trying to convey through this shot? Why was this specific moment chosen to freeze in time? Then read the caption to reveal insights into the photographer’s intent.

“I hope the following pages give you an inspiring look into the past year of construction,” says Hilling. “The photos really struck me with their incredible subjects, use of light and amazing composition.”

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

 

Honorable Mentions

---

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description

*Click on the photos for the full photo and description