1ST PRIZE: MURIEL VERBIST

This photograph showcases the absence of a physical body, with a wig facing the mirror in a surreal composition. It metaphorically explores the act of concealing one’s true self to conform to societal expectations. Blurring the boundaries between the human body and the realm of ‘otherness,’ it captures the complexities of identity. A poignant portrayal of the internal struggle to mask one’s true identity and fit into societal norms. – LI HUI

A simple image that is loaded with meaning and symbolism – from identity, femininity and insecurity to mortality and modern beauty culture. Here the photographer has effectively taken a self portrait, however it is only one aspect of her personality, just a glimpse into the ‘outside’ persona she presents to the world – people who do not know her as completely as her family do. Though the image is full of inanimate objects and structures, it is not devoid of emotion and compassion as the photographer tenderly captures their wig in an elegantly composed setting. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Home is the place where I can be myself. Because of breast cancer, I lived without hair for a while, when I went outside I put on my wig, but at home with my family I could do without.

2ND PRIZE: ANDRES MONTOYA

This photograph depicts a group of women of different ages and body types embracing each other in the backdrop of a forest. The scene exudes a sense of serenity, acceptance, and love, as their bodies intertwine in the most natural and organic way. The folds and curves of their bodies showcase the uniqueness and individuality, reminiscent of the innocence and fearlessness of being born anew. The soft, gentle light illuminates their skin, creating a harmonious pyramid of bodies that are both interconnected and resilient. – LI HUI

The light falls faintly across these figures, softly draped across one another with a tribal sense of connection, as the black and white gradient brings a silk like quality to their skin. The image evokes a sense of understanding and belonging for the viewer even though it is not an overly familiar scene. A captivating piece of photography. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – This image is a poem to the body. A cry for freedom in a forest where they can be goddesses and rest. The bodies are powerful together. There are no judgments or morbid looks. Highlighting beauty as a concept of organic origin. It is part of a series called The Garden of Delights.

YANG WANG

Juxtaposing a muscular body with the towering, vibrant architecture of La Muralla Roja, the photographer creates a dynamic composition imbued with strength and energy. A work of art and the tools of its creation side by side. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From dancer to photographer. I have always loved shooting dancers with my own perspective – displaying the strength of body. Because dance itself is not limited technique, how your instep is, how high your legs can stand, how many times you can turn and how high you can jump. In my opinion, the body is a tool of communication. We are exploring its potential every moment, and can use it more perfectly to express emotions.

NATALIE DODD

This image generates a narrative on both ancient and modern society – how humans have and always will be drawn to water, but in today’s society not much in life is experienced by our species without technology nearby. The photographer has clearly studied the scene, observing the actions of the visitors and waiting for the right moment to capture the image, ensuring each detail they wanted to display is included. A visual commentary on human nature as well as humans in nature. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – The Spa. People bathing in Bagni san Filippo, Italy. The scar-like calcium formations of Bagni san Filippo that cut through the surrounding woodland in Tuscany have been a meeting place for humans for thousands of years to bathe, socialise, and make use of the healing mineral and sulphur-rich, milky waters. Now, though, over 10 million people visit the hot springs every year. It’s a place that embodies our enduring yet ever-changing relationship to the planet and its bounty. In this scene, one person embraces the pleasure of the moment while another is absorbed in their phone.

ANDREA ZVADOVA

The photographer celebrates Joanne for who she is through this classically styled studio portrait, her skin illuminated and supported by the light as she almost appears to float within the frame. The contrast of the pale skin and dark backdrop brings strength and warmth to the image. There is a hint of vulnerability to the subject – no doubt a result of exposing oneself completely within a staged set-up with artificial lightning – but there is a stronger sense of confidence and ownership of the subject over their own body. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Portrait of Joanne who was born with albinism condition. I wanted to capture her natural beauty in a simple environment focusing on her skin and body.

AXEL SCHNEEGASS

Shape, form and function dominate this composition as the photographer uses black and white to simplify and highlight basic features of the human body. The subject takes an unfamiliar pose for the portrait as the photographer focuses on texture, which gives the image a tangible quality. A beautiful slow image which allows the viewer to consider the effortless elements of the body. – LIFE FRAMER

RONA BAR & OFEK SHALOM

The proximity of the couple depicts comfort and care, united in their love and identity and seemingly at ease in this space with one another. The photographer accentuates the calm mood by balancing the low lamp light with the muted tones of the natural light coming in, giving the space around these two people a sense of warmth. Being comfortable in one’s skin, especially around a partner is key for happiness as an individual and a couple, something which this portrait subtly and mindfully celebrates. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Nino and Olivia, from our project “Us” – documenting couples in their homes, Bristol, UK.

SUSANNE MIDDELBERG

A sublime image of human form receives the viewer, one that depicts physique, ability and solitude. This dreamlike moment allows the viewer to truly lose themselves within the scene without any real thread of thought or meaning – just enjoying the sense of calm and being. A vision created by a technically skilled individual with an escapist angle to their creativity. – LIFE FRAMER

EDUARDO TEIXEIRA DE SOUSA

A simple yet effective image, where the photographer magnifies one element of the body over the rest to create a cartoonish and amusing effect. Images of children jumping can feel like a bit of a visual trope, but with clever composition and perspective this becomes something more than that. There is so much joy in this playful photograph, it is one without any expectations and lets the freedom of the subject in their own skin take center stage. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Bigfoot.

NATALIE ARBER

Through this arresting and intimate image the photographer allows the viewer to observe them at an extremely vulnerable and unsettling stage in their lives – perhaps this helps them regain some control of their body by documenting such a personal and traumatic journey. This portrait of a reflection exposes the photographer’s authentic state, as they navigate this emotional pain and fragility. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Sub-Clinical Invalid. From a series of self portraits in the 6 months following a total thyroidectomy due to a restrosternal multinodular goitre. The series documents the progress of the surgical scar healing as well as the erratic physical implications and body changes through a difficult period of adjustment where my experience and symptoms were dismissed and I often felt invalidated.

ANDREA D’AQUINO

Movement rules the scene as the subjects twist and contort their bodies to sounds and events unknown to the viewer. The photographer has carefully selected a perfect position to capture layers and depth to the scene. The soft gradient helps give the image a sensitive effect and feeling of slowness, where these individuals communicate with just their bodies. – LIFE FRAMER

CARRIE EARDLEY

This portrait of hands slowly reveals their character, of someone that has worked and lived a life – wrinkles on the skin appear like rings of a tree betraying the subject’s ageing body, while the amputated fingers suggest a past trauma and elements of hard times survived. The photographer chooses black and white, which aesthetically accentuates the detail of the subject’s skin, but ultimately gives these hands a perception of immortality as if frozen in time within the scene, forever to be contemplated. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – My father’s hands.

MARIE-PIERRE CRAVEDI

The analogue element of this photographic process allows the sensitive topic to truly be nurtured, while the use of organic materials brings an added sense of mortality. The blurred figure allows their body to take preference over their identity in the photograph, where the photographer investigates and shares their own state of mind while trying to understand the complexities of their own anatomy. The photographer’s decision to reveal this intimate and difficult aspect of their own fertility journey allows the viewer to truly appreciate the photographer / subject and their adversities. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – After five miscarriages at close intervals, I use photography as a cathartic gesture not to sink. This work was not born of a desire, but of a vital need. The approach is completely different from previous projects; it is more intuitive, reptilian. The result is not decisive, the gesture matters. Pinholes built from everyday objects, long exposure times, transformation and then footprint of organic matter, are ways I explored. I question my relationship to materiality, I explore possible accidents, I search for them. Through a more artisanal photographic practice, I reconnect with the loss of control experienced during stopped pregnancies.

MASSIMO DI NONNO

Personal space is no longer a choice for these people who’s physical safety is now a priority over any of life’s little luxuries. This photograph is one that depicts a major modern crisis, where the safety of human beings travelling by water to seek asylum is never certain and often their journeys are just as dangerous as the places they are fleeing from. It is important for this photographer to keep documenting this reality and ensure these people are not ignored and forgotten about, as this horrific crisis continues. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Migrants rescued from the sea, sleeping on the deck of the rescue ship.

TIENE CARLIER

This image finds a pattern in a familiar place but depicts it as a strange and foreign entity, as skin is turned into canvas and scale is distorted. The admiration this photographer has for their grandmother is apparent, as they observe her and display her ordinary aspects as extraordinary elements. There is a real sense this is a portrait of a loved one. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Texture of my grandma’s skin.

JOANNA BAUMGARTNER

As the viewer takes in the contours and curves of the material and the subject, there is both a sense of being confined as well as one of escapism. The person wrapped in white almost appears like an evolving caterpillar chrysalis which strongly carries the concept of transformation through the image. The black and white element of the photograph allows the viewer to take a step back and absorb the theory plainly. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Transformation and transition are essential aspects of life, necessary for growth. Letting go of the old and embracing the new is crucial for continuous evolution. Resistance prolongs and intensifies the process. Observing and accepting change allows for new experiences and possibilities. Embracing transformation is a necessary passage in life, overcoming resistance reveals beauty and potential. From a series of photos capturing the transformations and changes that are inevitable and often provoke our resistance.

JULIE MCCARTHY

The ‘Hopeless Romantic’ expresses their feeling with quiet confidence across their bare skin, a proud declaration to be shown and not hidden on sunny days. A street portrait that reveals the personality of this subject without showing their face, underlining the fact that identity can come in many forms. The warm natural light lets the phrase delicately sit for the viewer to consider. – LIFE FRAMER

KARS TUINDER

A poetic photograph that finely illustrates the journey of puberty where one surrenders their body to unavoidable transformation and disorder. The photographer creates a scene that allows the viewer to contemplate the subject and their experience in an abstract yet simple perspective. The soft tones and shadows let a feeling of unknowing creep in and take hold of the scene and its subject. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Puberty.

MARIANNE SMITH DALTON

Here the photographer wants to illustrate his father’s personality, one that contrasts the frail and ageing figure within the portrait. The image brings with it a nugget of wisdom, that our true selves can be seen through the eyes of our loved ones, where beyond the physical sense and beyond any illness, they see our authentic selves, and sometimes even our souls. A poignant portrait full of admiration and respect. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – The Hypnotist. Our memories inform our personality, and the inability to remember shakes me to my core. Caring for my father as he struggled with dementia from Alzheimer’s changed both my views and expectations. Theatrical, but never showy, my father George loved to be the center of attention. He played jazz piano, sang, often spoke in rhymes, danced the “soft shoe”, and was a gifted hypnotist. He was the embodiment of eccentric, but considered himself “an ordinary man.” To me, these portraits prove he was anything but ordinary.

ALEX OLGUIN

A conceptual scene that appears strange, poetic and scientific all at once, like a still from a 1940’s artistic performance piece. A past and a future intertwined. The large triangular structures dominate the image while managing to accentuate the curves and flexibility of the human form. An enigmatic photograph that balances somewhere between fine art and documentary. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Monique defies gravity as she executes a flawless barani, frozen in mid-motion while suspended upside down. The sheer beauty and grace of her movement are mesmerizing, showcasing the incredible capabilities of the human body. Monique’s form, suspended in mid-air, displays the remarkable flexibility, strength, and control inherent in the human physique. It is a testament to the astounding potential of the human body, capable of achieving extraordinary feats through the artistry of dance.