Hold Still
Director's choice

'This is such a compelling image of the ingenuity and selflessness displayed by so many over the last few months. The side light coming in from the window is also fantastic – like a Vermeer!'

'Like so many of the extraordinary images submitted to Hold Still, this photograph fills me both with joy and sadness at the same time.'

'A fantastic portrait of a completely inspiring person – you really get a sense of his character, kindness and compassion.'

'This image is so haunting and has really stayed with me ever since I first saw it. So moving and timeless.'

'Bravo Tony – we salute you! A completely captivating photograph of an extraordinarily brave and resourceful boy, and such a moving and inspiring story. Evelina is also such a wonderful hospital, so this image really resonates with me.'

'This really brought home what some people have gone through – it's already so hard to lose a loved one, and to not be able to attend their funeral with family must be devastating. And his quiet dignity is extraordinary. It’s an indelible image.'

'This grid of portraits was completely unique in all the submissions, is so original and striking and really impressive from students of this age!'

'I love the composition of this striking photograph and the way it conveys triumph over adversity and how Covid has made us realise more than ever how important our friends and family are to us.'

'We’ve all been there over the last few months and this brilliant photograph sums it up beautifully with humour and extraordinary light to boot!'

'Teaching children at home isn’t easy (I was home educated and I’m sure my parents would agree!), but this image captures a moment of tenderness and fun beautifully and reflects the way so many parents and children have had to adapt their daily lives together almost overnight.'

'Such a striking and singular image from lockdown which evocatively captures the sense of isolation we have all experienced in one way or another.'

'This photograph beautifully captures a new phenomenon of the last few months – the often strange ways we have had to physically distance ourselves from each other (sometimes even from those closest to us) but at the same time the way our deepest emotions can overcome physical barriers.'

'A beautiful and somehow timeless portrait of one of the extraordinary people who have been at the forefront of saving lives and to whom we are all indebted.'

'A harrowing image but also one of such bravery and self-sacrifice.'

'We couldn’t have chosen the images for Hold Still without a portrait of a total hero and new national treasure!'

'This is such a moving and evocative image of the grief and loss that so many have sadly experienced. So simple but powerful.'

'This is such a striking image of one of the many people who we realise now how much we count on and who would otherwise be unsung heroes.'