Photo Competition

Values & Role Models in Front of the Lens

School students’ works

As part of the photo competition, students from vocational secondary schools specialising in photography in Lower Austria and Vienna submitted their works. A maximum of five pictures per class was permitted. 

The closing event and award ceremony took place on 23 September 2025.

1st place: Reactions

2nd place: Scale

3rd place: In the shadow of dependency

Value poker:
In this photo, five stacked cubes can be seen. This minimalist image represents a community as a whole, as well as its cohesion. One red cube stands out. Its different color draws attention to its individuality. Each individual is a unique part of a larger whole. Society is made up of individuals, and each member has their own value and their own responsibility to help shape it. Without each and every one of us, the specific community we live in would be a different one.

Spirit of the times:
Nikolai Schmid raises the question of to what extent values and role models are rooted in their time and whether they can therefore lose their validity. He confronts his own body with the well-known statue of Maria Theresa in downtown Vienna. Monuments are generally dedicated to particularly exemplary individuals. In this case, Maria Theresa is a person commonly known for her enlightened absolutism, her concern for the Austrian state’s welfare, and for introducing compulsory schooling in Austria. Less present in people’s consciousness is the fact that Maria Theresa was anti-Semitic and ordered the expulsion of Jews from Prague. During his research on monuments and exemplary figures, Nikolai came across this aspect. It aligned with his reflections on the spirit of the times and the historicity of values and attitudes. In the photo, the outlines of the two figures (Nikolai and the statue) overlap, and Nikolai repeats Maria Theresa’s stateswomanlike gesture. But is there truly a resemblance? Can what Maria Theresa represents be a role model for Nikolai (and others)? Can the values and role models of past generations still be valid today?

No title:
What does it mean to be a role model? Do I always succeed in acting as one? – With this self-portrait, the photographers direct the question of being a role model toward themselves.
Their work expresses doubts about their own personality and the demands for perfection they place on themselves. The photo was taken in a “normal,” everyday environment. The motif also evokes thoughts of confronting personality traits perceived as “flaws,” as often happens during the daily ritual of looking in the mirror each morning.

Reactions:
The photo series captures the reactions of friends and family members of the four students. The people photographed were surprised with the statement “You are my role model”—what was captured was the moment of their immediate reaction.
The aim was to capture genuine emotions and personal moments. Friends, relatives, acquaintances, and even teachers can be role models due to positive character traits (care for others, kindness, openness, etc.) or through their interests, profession, and hobbies.

In the shadow of dependency:
The image was created in several steps. First, a photograph of the hand with threads was taken. Then this image was developed, the silhouettes were cut out, and the whole thing was photographed again to create the final image.
The depicted hand can be interpreted in many different ways. It symbolizes temptation, being externally controlled by societal norms, and a life under external constraints. At the same time, the image raises questions about our own values: To what extent do we act out of conviction – and when do we allow ourselves to be guided, steered, or manipulated? The black background symbolizes an abyss – a place of loss and disorientation into which a person falls when the threads of control or inner values snap.

Values in small things:
We often look for role models in famous figures, in heroes of history, or in leaders. But sometimes, it's the small, unnoticed things in everyday life that remind us of who we want to be – and that prompt us to reflect on our behavior.
This photograph uses everyday objects as allegories for moral principles:

• The padlock stands for reliability and trust – it protects, preserves, and holds things securely together.
• The lighter symbolizes inspiration – sometimes it only takes a small spark to ignite something great.
• The glasses represent foresight and insight.
• The thread reminds us of connection and unity.
• The scale in the middle stands for balance and self-reflection.
• The coin reminds us of the value of fairness and justice.
• The key represents chances and possibilities – for every locked door, there's a solution if we’re willing to look for it.
• The clock symbolizes patience and the appreciation of time – it reminds us to value beautiful moments.
• The headphones stand for listening and empathy – true greatness often lies in the ability to give others a voice.

The meaning behind these everyday items can help us reflect on our actions and grow morally. Sometimes, the best role models aren't people – they're the little things that accompany us through daily life.

Values in the fall:
The falling banknotes captured in motion blur symbolically represent the change and fragility of our values. What does value mean in a world where money is in focus but is increasingly losing significance? Where are our values heading? The moment of falling – blurry, fleeting – invites reflection on what truly endures: material possessions or immaterial values such as integrity, humanity, and solidarity? The image was created from several individual shots and digitally assembled.

Plate:
Founded in 1492, Gmundner Ceramics—especially the green-flamed tableware—today stands as a symbol of traditional Austrian table culture. In my concept, the focus is on the idea of integrity in connection with my Austrian heritage. Integrity means wholeness, being in harmony with oneself and staying true to one’s values.
The broken and visibly glued-back-together plate symbolizes, for me, a society that carries historical scars. Although the past has left its marks and problems still exist today, it remains a livable country—for example, due to its cultural and natural treasures. Sometimes it can be difficult to identify with one’s country of origin. This photograph poses the question: (how) can such scars be healed?

Living together through values:
This photo illustrates that our society is built like a puzzle – only when all the pieces fit together does a complete picture emerge. Each individual puzzle piece represents an important value. Each piece is different, reflecting the diversity and variety of values that are important for a community. The puzzle is not yet fully assembled, emphasizing that society can only be complete when all values are united. In the image, a hand is also visible, trying to piece the parts together. This symbolizes the active participation of society in creating a harmonious coexistence. To clearly show that no value should be missing, additional puzzle pieces can be seen that have not yet found their place. These pieces symbolize the values that are still missing, which still need to be discovered or strengthened. The white background does not distract but rather highlights the values.

Scale 1:
The idea was inspired by separating the word “anti-corruption” into “anti” and “corruption.” In one photo, a person appears like a scale, with the word “anti” symbolizing the fight against injustice outweighing the rest. In the other photo, the person raises the word “anti” in triumph, symbolizing victory in the fight against corruption.

Scale 2:
The idea was inspired by separating the word “anti-corruption” into “anti” and “corruption.” In one photo, a person appears like a scale, with the word “anti” symbolizing the fight against injustice outweighing the rest. In the other photo, the person raises the word “anti” in triumph, symbolizing victory in the fight against corruption.

No flag in the wind:
A small impulse or an idea can have a great impact. The paper plane cannot fly on its own – it needs a push. Likewise, a person needs inspiration from a role model to accomplish something great.
A paper plane flying from one trash can to another, in a way over an abyss, symbolizes courage and trust. Although fragile, it manages to cover great distances – just like values that carry us, even when the path is uncertain. The flight begins with help, as it’s difficult to take off alone. Role models inspire and give us that initial momentum. But the wind determines the direction, similar to life circumstances and personal decisions. The abyss represents challenges that seem insurmountable, yet can still be overcome. A role model gives impulses, but in the end, everyone must find their own path. The wind that carries the plane is a reminder that true values are often invisible, yet still incredibly important. Despite its environment, the paper plane continues to fly. Values can endure even under difficult conditions if guided correctly. The string emphasizes the fragility of the plane, as it is guided by the wind and thus symbolically stands for the support that both the plane and people rely on.

‘Not like this!’ (Image 1):
We portrayed the attempt at corruption in two images, like a photo story. In doing so, gestures, facial expressions, and lighting were important design elements for us.

‘Not like this!’ (Image 2):
We portrayed the attempt at corruption in two images, like a photo story. In doing so, gestures, facial expressions, and lighting were important design elements for us.

Money Sucker 1:
We found our inspiration in the well-known image of three monkeys with covered mouths, eyes and ears. In the first picture, saying nothing, seeing nothing and hearing nothing is achieved with the help of banknotes. In the second image, a person appears like a role model and takes a stand against the influence of money.

Money Sucker 2:
We found our inspiration in the well-known image of three monkeys with covered mouths, eyes and ears. In the first picture, saying nothing, seeing nothing and hearing nothing is achieved with the help of banknotes. In the second image, a person appears like a role model and takes a stand against the influence of money.

Connections:
My photo project “Connections” deals with the influence of one’s environment during youth: Who are your friends? Should you be friends with these people? Are they my role models? Are these people good for me? I photographed many people from my everyday life—especially my friends—and layered cutouts from these images over a portrait of myself, so that a face emerges once again.

The power of the gesture:
In the photo, three people can be seen. The two people standing on the outside are wearing white T-shirts, in contrast to the person in the middle. The person in black receives an additional white T-shirt from one of the other two. The inscriptions on the T-shirts name three values that match the gesture of each individual. The person handing the T-shirt to the other embodies the value of helpfulness. She responds with empathy and gives courage to another person. Loyalty, in this context, means standing by others even in difficult times. The black shirt represents fear and negative values/emotions. The act of handing over courage illustrates that, no matter how one has acted in the past, there is always hope to find the courage to change and move to the positive side. In the background, an illuminated cloud formation in the shape of an arrow can be seen, which seems to point toward the three people. This underscores the importance and significance of the moment.

Heroes from childhood 1:
We were inspired by childhood memories. We saw many role models in adults who have done valuable work for the community. We returned to our childhood and, together with our heroes, defeated an evil pirate.

Heroes from childhood 2:
We were inspired by childhood memories. We saw many role models in adults who have done valuable work for the community. We returned to our childhood and, together with our heroes, defeated an evil pirate.

Driving test:
Short Description: We staged an attempted act of corruption during a driving test from an unusual perspective. Thanks to the sunroof on the car, this was possible.

Diversity is our strength:
The circle of various fruits symbolizes our Earth – colorful, imperfect, and unique. Each fruit represents a person with their own shape, color, and texture – symbols of individuality, diversity, and personal values. Despite all differences, we live together on this world. The image reminds us of how important respect, tolerance, and equal treatment are. Because true strength arises where diversity is appreciated and no one is excluded.

Photos and videos from the kick-off event

The competition kicked off with a workshop organised by BAK as part of a school event at the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) on 28 January 2025.

Here you can find the photos and videos of this event:

• Launch of the photo competition (YouTube) 
  

Photos and videos from the closing event and awards ceremony

The closing event and awards ceremony took place on September 23, 2025, at the premises of the Public Service Employees Union (GÖD) in Vienna.

• Closing event and awards ceremony of the photo competition (YouTube)  

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Last update: 2 Oktober 2025