1ST PRIZE: SHAHRIAR FARZANA

“I am drawn to the picture by the joy and excitement expressed by the group of school children and their teacher on their trip to the beach. This image is exceptional in both form and content. The composition is dynamic with the arm of the teacher holding the phone guiding the viewers across the surface of the photo to examine the faces of her pupils. The teacher towers over her pupils and the smart phone signifies our current time frame. The phone serves as a tool to illustrate a type of intimacy that can only exist with people who are familiar with each other and it also acts as a marker which divides the contemporary and traditional. It was helpful to know the artist’s intention, as it enriched the meaning of what is already a spectacular photograph.” – PIPO NGUYEN-DUY

“The photographer has captured a cheerful passing moment that is weighted with a huge political significance. The image alone is perfectly balanced with people and landscape, the group blooms like a bunch of flowers emerging from the photograph, as the black and white picks up each detail of foreground and background. A seaside postcard of hope and change.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Change the thought, Bangladesh. In a Islamic environment, it’s not common for a female teacher to take her students at the sea shore as recreation and to take selfies with them but time changes as well as people’s acceptance level. Now following all Islamic requirements, some women try to do what they are supposed to do not like what they are told to do. Things are changing at the course of time as well as peoples’ thought processes that have a direct positive impact on society.

2ND PRIZE: DIDI VON BOCH

“This photograph is elegant and reminiscent of a classical Western painting. The mood is somber and it addressed nuances and complexities of a person transitioning to young adulthood. The light coming from the window gives the photograph an ethereal effect. The subjects are posed in a pieta-like manner where the young woman and her elder are intertwined. The embrace and the facial expression implies intimacy, trust and nurturing. ” – PIPO NGUYEN-DUY

“Nothing in the scene stands out as an obvious sign of pain or distress yet there is a strong sense of sadness and loss throughout as the two women embrace. The comfort of a parent – especially during such difficult and uncertain times – is vital but isn’t always a given or available. The photographer balances and composes this image wonderfully, to lovingly capture the warmth, intimacy and devotion of this mother and daughter relationship during a somber time.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Pearl and her mother. I visited them 2021, a strange time, frightening, Covid-19 happened. Pearl loved to be close to her mother. It gave her safety and made her feel at ease. So deeply needed.

DIDIER VANDERPERRE

“Color possesses most of this photograph as it cleverly captures so much liveliness and personality – each child in a different pose or state of play, emitting a multitude of emotions and responses to the photographer. Whether unsure and shy or eager and wanting to impress, the children seem content to do their own thing and accept the photographer’s presence. An authentic depiction of childhood.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Kids playing in Baseco, Manila, Philippines.

BROOK LAURIE

“Through this snapshot of family life the viewer has a privileged perspective on this photographer’s concept of ‘Heaven’. The group transmits a sense of freedom and content as they seemingly move with intention and joy through the landscape, unaware of the photographer documenting their mindful moments. Spending time in nature with loved ones has proven to reduce stress and improve mental health – with that in mind, this image can certainly rival any heavenly notions.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Heaven.

FRANCESCA TILIO

“Without understanding if this street portrait is staged or just captured as-is, the image maintains a healthy mix of teenage angst, awkwardness and self-assurance to truly represent the characteristics of adolescence. There are a myriad of expressions and emotions throughout this simple scene – no doubt about to be dissected by the group once the photographer has moved on. It would be interesting to see how this project highlights the similarities and differences of the teenagers of today compared to those Sander’s captured 100 years prior.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – I have been aiming my lens at teenagers for a few years now, inspired by People of the 20th Century, August Sander’s photographic work, and driven by the desire to tell the story of a generation often overlooked. Teenagers of the 21st Century are girls and boys between the age of 13 and 19, portrayed in the street, at school, at home, in the places of their everyday life. The project is currently in progress.

AMAAN ALI

“It can take the viewer a moment to realise where the main subject of this portrait is located, as he holds himself, out of focus, down through the top half of the image. The photographer has allowed play to weave its way across this image, fueled by curiosity, youthful energy and the freedom of the outdoors. Although charming in every aspect, the image also holds gravitas, the use of black and white elevates the scene and allows the viewer to ruminate on the core message of accessibility of educational services by remote communities.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From the series Pages of Barren Mountains. I was fortunate enough to witness and capture some truly breathtaking moments while filming a documentary video in Hemya, Ladakh. The children I saw playing around in the offline zone were bursting with energy and curiosity, and I couldn’t help but be swept up in their world.

As I delved deeper into the story, I learned about the incredible work that a non-profit organization called Lhagsam and the local community have done to revive the school in Hemya. It’s amazing to think that children like Kunzang Dorjay and his friends can now receive a primary education in this barren mountainous region. They are now able to dream of preserving their cultural heritage and values, which were once threatened due to inadequate resources.

My long-term project is to document the lifestyle and growth of the underprivileged kids in Hemya. As I took photographs of them playing and exploring, I could sense their desire for visual representation. For them, a camera was a revelation of their buried vertiginous curiosity about life. With the help of creative learning programs, I believe these kids can dream of a progressive future. I’m passionate about safeguarding cultural heritage, and I truly believe that education plays a pivotal role in making this possible.

AMANDA VALIQUET

“The photograph reads like the beginning of a fairy tale, as the viewer observes the patterns, textures and colors that surround and cushion the little girl. There are few things in life that are more peaceful than a sleeping child. The photographer takes this scene at an interesting angle and ensures to include the complimenting tones and fabrics, the image appears wrapped in the innocence of youth.” – LIFE FRAMER

WENDY STONE

“It can be strange to have siblings and at the same time feel like an only child. However, pets – especially dogs – are ideal place-holders, as they meet the energy levels and needs of a young child. The photographer’s simple use of negative space highlights what is missing, but the placing of basic natural textures acknowledges elements of closeness and togetherness. An intimate family portrait.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Our son has two brothers who are twenty-plus years older and moved out of the house. Being home with no siblings to play with often has him getting into mischief with our two dogs, Marius and Sasha. Their interactions demonstrate the same sibling interactions as humans: playing, tattling, fighting, and snuggling. For this series, I documented the adventures of the three, and I strived to capture their good and bad days.

MASHA BAKTHINA

“The image reads like a timeless portrait of melancholy and uncertainty, the subject lost in thought between the facts of what has happened and the apprehension of what is to come. The photographer manages to capture a crucial moment of change as childhood dissolves and adolescence evolves. This time of unpredictability and vulnerability is delicately worn across the subject’s face, and the photographer carefully composes this scene, subtly supported by the soft natural light.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Growing up in a world that seems to be falling apart. A portrait of my friend’s daughter Lidia, who was 12 at the time. Like so many other teenagers, she is having to deal with both internal changes and the dreadful things happening in the outside world, including the country she is a citizen of.

TANISHA WOOKEY

“An impactful image of pattern, play and self-expression. There is an irony to the way young adults and teenagers style and dress in similar fashion to express their individuality whilst also trying to fit in, however here there is more of a sense of tribalism and belonging. This group understands and appreciates each other, reflected in their casual demeanour, relaxed poses and candid facial expressions. A group portrait of raw energy.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Dog days.

SOPHIE CAMPOS

“The traditions of ‘Semana Santa’ in Seville are significant and abundant, with many elements including floats, statues, costumes and performances. The blue robes here are possibly a homage to ‘The Virgin Mary’ as she is widely celebrated during these festivities. The photographer has discovered a little moment of curiosity within this wall of cloaks, as the mini hooded-figure appears to be adjusting their outfit. The anonymity of the cloaked characters leave the viewer with both a feeling of unease and fascination.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Holy Week, Seville, Spain. April 2023.

RIC SAVID

“As the viewer absorbs the scene there’s an inescapable feeling of familiarity, the boy leaning against the car confidently sucking on the lollipop with an air of wisdom about him, unfazed as if he’s been here and done all this before. Like the subjects of a Dorethea Lange or Mary Ellen Mark image, the child embraces the camera’s lens and greets it with a confident gaze that tells the viewer, or photographer, they’re in his territory now.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Boy with Lollipop

CHLOE KERLEROUX

“An arresting image of modern life that incorporates an appreciation for gun culture – a subject that divides us like few others. The relationship of the photographer to the subjects would be interesting to understand here (the flash at least suggests they had some interaction with the pair), as being objective is key when documenting strangers and taking street portraits. The viewer is left to contemplate the influence parents and guardians have on their children and how these traits and influences – good, bad or indifferent – can be carried through life in both obvious and indirect ways.” – LIFE FRAMER

HERMELIO MIGUEL AQUINO

“The somber tones and low light sets a mournful mood for this poignant portrait of a climate refugee. The young subject appears resolved, quietly expressing the experience of both a painful event and a precarious future. The climate crisis and its effects are immeasurably vast and complex, in spite of the noble efforts of this worthy organisation and the awareness the photographer is generating, people around the world are still being displaced due to the effects of environmental turmoil.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – I was commissioned by the World Bank, Nikon, and Waterbear Network to photograph three families across the Bicol region in the Philippines for the charity Build Change. Build Change rebuilds homes for families who have lost their homes due to a climate change disaster. The houses are built with better infrastructure to withstand harsher climates, hopefully. The families in this series lost their original homes in 2018 from a devastating Typhoon that displaced thousands of people.

I was very fortunate to photograph Rosalinda, Maria and Joshephina’s family. They are in incredibly harsh conditions, they have lost family members and friends due to climate change, and you would not know this from their bright smiles. They all find joy in spending time with their family, faith, and work. I wanted to play a lot with shadows and color. All the images were captured on a wide-angle lens. I tried to capture the scale of the houses and every single detail with a narrow appearance.

GAILE MARTINAITE

“There is a simmering sense of self-importance as testosterone, competitiveness and heat bubble up through the image. The well timed capture allows the viewer to project their own perceptions of identity and circumstance onto the main subject – as their true identity is masked behind a smokescreen. The photographer’s use of faded colors and pale tones, gives a nostalgic, sun-drenched quality to the scene.” – LIFE FRAMER

MAX MARIENKO

“The photographer adeptly uses black and white film to remove any modern aspects of this scene and ensure the viewer experiences a timeless moment with a vintage quality. There is so much curiosity spilling from this young childs eyes, even though they only occupy a small part of the photograph. A series of these images would be thoroughly enjoyed, no doubt a whole host of short stories would be told within each frame.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From Cruise Night series, taken at the historic car gatherings in various locations in the US and Canada. I was deeply moved by observing the connection between the two generations: the elder, the car enthusiasts, and the youth. This is something the two generations have in common: the freedom to be their true self. This luxury of self expression is intrinsic to the young age and it is newfound by after a long life full of commitments. The black and white film ls a perfect medium for expressing this nostalgic feeling.

EMILY NEVILLE FISHER

“The photographer has a considered and mindful approach to their imagery and how they convey a complex and essential message. The photographer carefully positions the symbolic elements – the concrete backdrop, the yellow lizard, the receding grass patch – under a veil of unnatural hues and tones. The photo signifies an uneasy shift in the atmosphere. However, the most striking aspect of the image is the young girl’s condemning gaze, after all it is her generation that is tasked with solving the climate crisis they did not create.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – My ongoing body of work “Natural Tendencies” studies the complex and symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world. I am acutely aware of the precarious nature of our shifting environment, of the fragility of life and the ephemerality of childhood and I use my photographs to express this sensibility.

KRISTINA CLOWERS

“A photographer is always ready to document, and this is a prime example – a beautiful family moment full of playfulness and happy accidents. The photographer’s understanding of natural light and experience to let the scene unfold allows the pureness of the interaction to take hold. No doubt a highlight from the family ‘lockdown’ album.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – This is one of my favorites I’ve ever captured of my children being, well, children. This moment was completely unplanned, which I feel captures the essence of “youth” perfectly. During Covid-19 lockdowns we tried to come up with many ways to keep entertained in the household. One activity happened to be “swimming” in Mom’s and Dad’s bathtub. Our sneaky little Labrador, Odin, found his way up the stairs and into the bathroom when my back was turned. At first, I panicked thinking of what a mess he was about to bring upon my bathroom. But then when I saw how elated the kids were, I quickly grabbed my camera (which was nearby during these “documenting” days) and shot away.

ANDREA BETTANCINI

“Within all the movement, showboating and fun there is a real sense of competition and achievement at the heart of this scene. Trying, failing, succeeding and playing all mixed into one unofficial show for locals, blow-ins and tourists alike. The strong silhouettes repeat in varying shapes and stances to create an image full of activity and drama.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement –

Waterfront. On the banks of a sunset beach
messages scratched in sand
beneath a roaming home of stars
young boys try their hand… (David Sylvian)

There’s a funky bar on the beach, in Stone Town, a place to relax and watch the sunset over the ocean. Enjoying a cocktail or a beer, accompanied by music, you will see the local “Beach Boys” practicing their acrobatics on the sand, using old tires as trampolines, as the evening sets in.

FLAVIA LEUENBERGER CEPPI

“The photographer sums up the scene well by comparing and contrasting the boy with his ‘monster’ costume – the subject appears unsure of how he came to this situation but simultaneously content with his current position. This is a beautifully composed portrait, complemented with earthy colors and muted tones. A whimsical insight into the various situations and commitments we find ourselves in when growing up.” – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – This candid portrait was taken just before the start of the traditional and pagan Tschäggäta parade in the Lötschental, Switzerland. Young men dress up as scary creatures, who come out at night during carnival time to scare people. I liked how this young boy’s gaze was both in stark contrast to the grotesque look of the mask, but at the same time there was a similarity given by the direction of the head and eyes, in a kind of complicity…