In this innocent and nostalgic photograph, Santiago Martinéz de Septein, a Spanish photographer reminisces and recounts one of his fondest memories as a child, playing ‘cops and robbers’ with his friends. This masterpiece was awarded Category Winner of the Year from the 2022 European Photography Award under the category of People Photography – Children.
Out of a circle of players, only one is chosen to be the robber and said robber has to flee until is caught by the other players, the cops and will have to sit in a make-believe jail for a considerate time. This game is commonly played around the world and is enjoyed to this very day by the youth.
The photograph evokes a sense of deep nostalgia that moves the soul as the viewer is taken back to a time where life was simpler with full of laughs and passion. Especially at the ripe age of 6 or 7 years old, the role becomes you and might even mould someone. Santiago Martinéz explains that just like puppies, humans learn important life lessons from these games and it shapes how we see the world even as a child.
The masterpiece of these two young boys playing in a warm light highlights its innocence, passion, nostalgia and happiness that is expired as viewers are unable to go back to such times which quickly forms a bond between the viewer and the photograph itself.
Credits
Photographer: Santiago Martinéz de Septein
Winning category – 2022 Category Winner of the Year – People Photography – Children
View the talented photographers of the 2022 European Photography Awards from the Editorial Category here!