Spot News, 3rd prize
Ilkka Uimonen
Magnum Photos for Newsweek
Magnum Photos for Newsweek
14 August, 2003
Passengers while away time at Grand Central station. During the evening rush hour, the northeastern United States and parts of Canada were hit by a massive electricity failure. In New York, as in other major cities, thousands of people were trapped in metros and lifts, and chaos ensued as traffic lights went out. Many chose to walk home, others were stranded overnight yet the overall mood remained calm. The blackout, thought to have been caused by an overload due to hot weather, lasted nearly 18 hours.
Through our education programs, the World Press Photo Foundation encourages diverse accounts of the world that present stories with different perspectives.
Our exhibitions showcase stories that make people stop, feel, think and act to a worldwide audience.
Our annual contest recognizes and rewards the best in photojournalism and documentary photography.