2nd: The Face of Defeat

2nd captures contestants and competitors following the announcement that they have not won first prize. This gently ironic and at times humorous work explores the moments after personal hopes have been dashed. The project is about expectation and failure in the world of modern competitions. Loss and disappointment are the norm for a majority of competitors, even if the discrepancy between first and second place is minute.

All the subjects were photographed moments after they had stepped down from the podium or immediately following announcement of their standings.

The foreword is written by Susan Bright, an independent writer, lecturer, and curator. She is the former curator of photographs at the National Portrait Gallery and director of the Association of Photographers Gallery.