1ST PRIZE: AYAKA YAMAMOTO

I want to look at photos that are not just beautiful, but also tell a story. Who are these people and what do they have to say? What story is the photographer telling? The direct gaze of the photograph’s protagonist directs me to engage with the photo, to connect with her, and I want to know more! I am grateful to the photographer for providing context. As I read about these two girls, the elements of the image slot into place. The chair she sits in is her only means of transport – it allows her to move, but not like the other children she looks at out the window at. A little sister would normally be supported by her elder sibling, but, because of the disability, it is the other way round. What is evident in the photo is the care the younger feels for the older. Like the best photographs – I don’t just see what’s in the photo, I feel it. Technically this is masterfully executed – lighting, colour, composition – instruments in a piece of music I am left longing to listen to over and over. Just wonderful. – ROBIN HAMMOND

The photograph is a complex mix of contradictions. The viewer oscillates between hiding and revealing, embracing the shadows and seeking the highlights, blending in and standing out. The framing allows the multiple layers to develop and take turns in capturing the viewer’s attention. One can sense the photographer’s presence but also their nonintervenience, an open invitation to discretion and kindness. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From my ongoing project We are Made of Grass, Soil, and Trees, which I have been creating in different countries and regions since 2009.

By spending time with people and waiting patiently in front of the camera, I search for moments when layers of identity, culture, and personal history begin to loosen, revealing something deeper beneath them. I do not know exactly what this presence is. It may be something carried since before birth, residue that has settled within the body through lived experience, fragments of memory passed down through generations, or images that existed before they took the form of language or photographs. Through encounters with people of different cultures, backgrounds, and appearances, I have come to feel that beneath these differences there is a shared root connecting us. The title is inspired by an Ainu myth, reflecting a view of humans as inseparable from the natural world — made of the same substance as grass, soil, and trees.

This image: Untitled #286, Mzimba, Malawi. I usually ask the people I photograph to look away from the camera, allowing them to forget its presence. For this reason, direct eye contact is rare in my work. The girl on the left uses a wheelchair. While the other children ran and played, she would often sit quietly and watch them. What stayed with me was her gaze. Although she was still very young, I felt a depth in her eyes that seemed beyond her years. I did not want to forget that gaze, and so I asked her to look directly at me for this portrait. The two girls are sisters. During my stay, I often witnessed the younger sister naturally supporting her older sister. Yet what moved me most was not simply the act of caring, but the sense of love that seemed to flow continuously between them. It felt as though there was a quiet circulation of love connecting the two.

2ND PRIZE: BRENDAN BYRNE

A portrait I want to look at again and again. The drama of the make up and dress is only matched by the drama of the landscape. This is a story about a people’s culture, and I feel, in the upright posture of the man, the intensity of the gaze of the girl, one of pride. The choice of black and white is not only wonderful aesthetically, it also, with the clothing and other props, creates a timelessness to the photo, reinforcing the importance and enduring nature of this important festival. A truly beautiful image. – ROBIN HAMMOND

For many, an unusual family portrait; for the subjects of this photograph, a very familiar experience. The black and white aesthetic enhances the traditional face painting and brings the family closer to the environment. It’s the steadiness, the solidarity, and the graceful take on life and death that break through the image, supported by all the elements of photography, such as framing, pose, and background choice. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Dia de Muertos, Mitla – San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Oaxaca. In the days before Dia de Muertos, a family welcomed me into their evening without hesitation – into something sacred and alive and entirely theirs. Mexicans embrace mortality with an elegance and grace I can only aspire to when it’s my turn.

MIGUEL MARTÍNEZ FRÍAS

A portrait like a metaphor, in which nothing is what it seems, but every line manages to stir powerful emotions. Soft colors, a carefully crafted composition, and serene lighting are all contributors to the effectiveness of this image. There is a parallel to be drawn between the subject being seen through a transparent ball and photography, where every subject is seen through a lens. The concept provides rich food for thought. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Soft Shell. My staged portraits explore the body as a place of protection, tension and transformation. Through animal presence, translucent barriers and artificial light, each subject appears caught between exposure and self-defence.

MIHAIL MINKOV

It’s not easy to embellish a portrait with reflections, contrast, and vivid colors whilst retaining the subject’s spirit and attitude. This portrait shows a deep engagement with the subject, but also a very intentional approach. Decomposing the scene into visual and conceptual elements, sketching the story attentively and whimsically, and then putting it all together artfully are what a good photographer does before taking any shot. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – At 3,600 meters above sea level, Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni becomes a mirror between earth and sky. My images explore the silence and surreal beauty of the world’s largest salt flat through the presence of a woman dressed in the traditional Bolivian pollera, symbolizing Andean culture and identity. Beneath the Milky Way and fading twilight, reflections dissolve the horizon, blending landscape, light, and heritage into a visual narrative about connection, memory, and the timeless spirit of Bolivia.

ADAM DOCKER

Take in the light that reveals the soul, show your pure contours, give up colors for honesty, and embrace, really embrace, who you are. This image is the ultimate portrait, not of a singular character but of every one of us. Beyond simplicity composition-wise and with an outstanding lighting design, the photograph delivers at all levels, showcasing a strong artistic intensity and a very personal style. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Sheldon.

CECILIA WANG

The photograph abounds in symbols and meaning, showcasing a very personal and creative style. Old and new lighting techniques merge seamlessly and offer the viewer a rich, colorful, and graceful scene. Even though the subject celebrates life like a deity, a certain sensitivity, fragility, and purity break through, reminding the viewer of the magic of human traits. We can be inspired, but ultimately, we can only be ourselves. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Cup of Life. This photograph is inspired by the painting Bacchus by Caravaggio, as well as the Dionysian spirit described in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. In Nietzsche’s thought, Dionysus symbolizes vitality, instinct, passion, chaos, and the irrepressible will to live.

While developing this project, I was searching for someone who truly embodied this life force — not merely someone who resembled it outwardly. That is why I invited Paula to participate in this shoot. Paula once battled lymphoma, but through extraordinary strength and resilience, she overcame the disease. Her story is not simply about survival, but about choosing to live passionately even after enduring immense suffering. In her, I saw the true Dionysian spirit — a force that embraces life despite hardship. This work is no longer just a recreation of classical painting, but an exploration of life, resilience, and the beauty of human nature. Through Paula, Dionysus is no longer merely a myth, but something that truly exists within us.

GABI STEINER

The picture features an outstanding composition that naturally and appealingly emphasizes lifestyle and tradition as an intrinsic part of our existence. The earthy tones blend smoothly, creating a soft contrast that solidifies the connection. The disappearing horizon line is a reminder that this isn’t a scene of the past but an atemporal one that defines humankind. Without the framing provided by our environment, we wouldn’t be here and wouldn’t be who we are. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Keeper of the Camp. Cattle are central to Mundari life, shaping social structure, identity, and survival. South Sudan.

GLENN HOMANN

The excellent use of light creates an impressive chiaroscuro effect reminiscent of Caravaggio’s art. This is portraiture at its finest, the character’s features being emphasized and brought to light in the most natural and apparently effortless way. The viewer is guided through the frame by soft strokes of light and shadow, everything leading to and from the wistful blue eyes, a true mirror of the soul. – LIFE FRAMER

LUCZA BREWER

What a spectacular portrait, both in subject and aesthetic! The subject is mesmerizing and intriguing, but would have lost their magic had it not been for the dramatic black and white setting, the simple background, and the glistening reflections. The over-the-shoulder pose flatters the subject and makes the jewelry stand out even more, whilst allowing the photographer to transform the eye into a strong focal point. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Skin.

LAURA SALES

Not many photographers dare to turn the lens onto themselves and share their most intimate feelings with the world. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself in a double role as the exposee and the exposer. This glimpse into the photographer’s pastel world is poetic, delicate, and serene. At the same time, it’s full of emotions and life. The composition is minimalist, the solitary focal point floating softly in total harmony with the photograph’s concept. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A piece of me. Self-portrait, 2020. Created in isolation during lockdown, from the quiet solitude of my room.

ERIN FISH

A fluid portrait, sensitive and nostalgic, invites the viewer to slow down, breathe, and relax. The effect is due to composition and lighting choices. The leading lines are artistically used to optimize the use of space and highlight the subject’s connection with nature. They are also the ones that provide the photo’s rhythm and vibration. Light is what creates the atmosphere and warm feeling of the image. Overall, it’s a multisensorial journey, which is a joy to experience.
– LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – When warmer weather was, July 2025.

MAURO DE BETTIO

The unconventional camera angle reveals much more than the portrait of one subject. The image shows a way of life, surrounding the main character with all their daily activities and experiences. Family members, community, and the movements of the water are all part of the narrative, and the portrait wouldn’t have been complete without them. The photographer’s determination to put the story above anything else is to be commended.
– LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Venice of Africa. A young girl watches over her little brother as he sleeps gently inside a fishing net, cradled in their home floating on the quiet waters of the Makoko lagoon.
Around them, life moves with the rhythm of the tide. Wooden houses rest on stilts, canoes glide softly between narrow passages, and the day unfolds to the sound of paddles touching water.

ANA THEISEN-ALCAZAR

Between highlights and shadows, life is looking us in the face. We may sometimes try to avoid its gaze, but we are nevertheless bound to live it. There are so many layers to this portrait, both visible and metaphorical. Thoughts, feelings, time that passed by and time that will come, the person we were and the one we are, regrets maybe, and all the things we are proud of. It’s an image that invites inner work and meditation, one that’s more about the viewer than it is about its subject. – LIFE FRAMER

TABITHA BARNARD

Photography is sometimes meant to stray from the beaten path and become a tool for creativity and theater. This portrait defies logic, but engages imagination. It’s a bizarre world with elements that have nothing in common other than the photographer’s will to place them there. The viewer is engaged in a game, looking for clues, and trying to predict how the story will end, which is a fresh perspective for portraiture. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – In The Pool with Halo, 2026. I was raised the oldest of four sisters in a close-knit Maine family. Our childhood was steeped in fairy and folk tales. Our favorites were the ones about witches, vampires, and unseelie. The ones that would frighten us. In the woods and meadows around my childhood home, our own rituals and stories took shape. We told each other about sightings of fairies or ghosts. It did not matter if these tales were real or imagined. It felt wild and exciting. Fort Baldwin was transformed into Rapunzel’s tower; an abandoned fishing shack-a witch’s hut. As women, we revisit these locations from childhood to experience the same sense of magic. Folktales warned girls not to stray from the path. But in ours, we found freedom and power. My sisters and friends became a myriad of characters, never confined to just one role. Through theatrical image-making, I weave a narrative of sisterhood, isolation, and desire.

QIFANG LUO

What an unusual portrait, so playful and emotional! The photographer’s creativity and storytelling skills are outstanding. Although one doesn’t see much of the subjects, they can perceive the emotions, the nature of their relationship, and their approach to life. Hence, despite being disproportionate in terms of frame space, visual elements blend harmoniously and create a well-balanced composition. – LIFE FRAMER

DEVIN CHAMPAGNE

There is so much happening behind these blue eyes! The viewer witnesses an entire world, whilst being and not being fully allowed in, sneaking from behind the window. The choice of color palette and camera angle suits the subject’s mood and creates the perfect atmosphere. The composition is confined within the tight space, overlapping layers, and conveying the sense of tension and boredom that generated the need for air and escapement. Well done!
– LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Portrait of Marlo Wren – I think this was on a Sunday?

MAX STURGEON

A rich photograph that takes the viewer on a journey like a magical kaleidoscope. The main focal point is impossible to miss: the child’s gaze is so intense and mesmerizing that one is automatically drawn to it. Which is why the eye bounces to the reflection in the mirror, which in turn guides it toward the characters in the back, and so on and so forth until the visual ride ends where it started and the viewer is left wanting one more go. A delightful carousel of interconnected layers!
– LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Bắc Hà, Vietnam, 2026.

SCOTT GILBANK

Dramatic and artful, the portrait offers a glimpse into the character’s lifestyle and personality. The storytelling skills are impressive. By making the eyes the main focal point, the photographer opens the door to another world and invites the viewer to empathy and connection. The distance between the one who looks and the one who’s looked at disappears in a universal restoring of humanity. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Portraits: Roaming the streets and rural outskirts of Kathmandu in Nepal reveals the details of life. Each character has that story of daily life  written firmly in their eyes. The choice of monochrome helps bring the stories into reality through the eyes.

ALEXANDER NAUGHTON & DAVIE PATERSON

This picturesque portrait, taken at sunset, matches the grace of its subjects with the surroundings and presents us with a scene, a page from a book rather than an individual appearance. Nostalgic and inviting, featuring a calming atmosphere and delightful colors, the picture makes the viewer want to know more about the subjects and their shared journey. It’s like seeing the main characters walking into the sunset at the end of a movie and wondering what their life will be like from now on. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A portrait of Brazilian-Australian Nicole Cardoso, as taken from the set of our film A Stable for Horses – an homage to the Australian Sharpie culture of the 1960s-70s. The photographer is Alexander Naughton, and Davie Paterson was the director.

GAVIN LIBOTTE

It’s an explosive snapshot one won’t forget soon. The photo is dynamic and energetic, aesthetically appealing, with just the right amount of sharpness and blur. Although taken in less-than-ideal conditions, the composition is well-balanced and the space nicely used. The decision to take the shot in black and white raises the dramatic effect and adds a note of humour, similar to a scene taken from an old situation comedy. Well done on the inspiration and realization! – LIFE FRAMER