EDITORS’ PICK
The Courage to Dream
YOUTH
YOUTH EDITORS’ PICK
Following Karolin Klüppel’s selection of winning images for our recent Youth competition, this compilation of 20 images represents some of the other talented photographers whose work struck us and left a mark. Each a stunning image worthy of exposure and attention…
When selecting for editor’s picks we’re always searching for those striking photographs that make for an unforgettable single image, whether from a broader series or not. We enjoy the accompanying text some photographers submit with their images, and while not always necessary it can be relevant when understanding the work in full context.
These are intended to be a conversation starter… so feel free to join the discussion on our social networks.
BANNER IMAGE: DOMINIQUE AGIUS
The photographer celebrates the act of daydreaming in youth with this carefully considered and wonderfully atmospheric portrait. The image is familiar and relatable, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the viewer – possibly conjuring up notions of their own school-days peering out windows or into space. The low light, rich tones and darkened backdrop allow the scene to take on a timeless feel. A poetic portrait, with the origami crane adding an intriguing layer of symbolism for the viewer to ponder. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Inspired by clair-obscure painters, this portrait of a day dreamer uses one light source for a moody result.
ALEXANDER KLADOV
An interesting portrait from another time, as the photographer explores their local area through the younger generations that occupy these spaces. There is a beauty to the retrospective aspect of the image, as the photographer outlines their intentions at the time and their nostalgia for the moment now. A detailed, soft and considered portrait taken with care and skill. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Old Bicycle from my black and white series of emotional portraits of children, which I took while exploring some corners, nooks and crannies of my city, its districts and nearby suburbs, which reflected the era of old times, had a strong emotional connection with me and which, 8-10 years later, ceased to exist due to active urban construction, growth of urban population, destruction and erasure of those secluded corners where I played with my friends in my childhood.
I have never seen the heroes of my photographs before, and most likely I will never see them again. Each portrait of this child is a happy coincidence of time, circumstance, place and light. It was a unique opportunity for me to gain the trust of an unknown little person in a very short time, to befriend them for a moment so firmly that they allowed me to take a photograph of them here and now. I still remember the circumstances of each meeting and the unique emotions I felt when, after the meeting, I took with me a record of history and time on black and white film loaded in my medium format TLR camera made 40 years ago.
ANDREA NUXOLL
The viewer is almost immediately absorbed into the textures and tactileness of this scene, the color palette simple and evident. The close-up portrait is abstract yet intimate, effectively symbolizing the connection between parent and child – one seemingly without beginning or end, just an infinite bond born from the body. A gorgeous depiction of the reality of motherhood as the baby takes complete ownership of their mother’s being. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Crushed.
KENNETH CRUZ
On first glance we mistook this for real children playing, perhaps caked in mud, but it soon became apparent this is indeed a sculptural piece. The photographer takes a close-up angle immersing us into the middle of these forms, and thus allowing emotion and senses to take priority. Without context this image can easily appear to have a slightly sinister undertone, as the dark colors and textures of water beneath create an uncertain, almost panicked feeling. Photographers have to be careful when taking images of artworks (be they architecture, sculptures, graffiti…) – asking themselves whether the image itself is special, or they’ve just taken an image of a special thing. Here, the photographer’s unusual and considered framing achieves both – an memorable depiction of an intriguing artwork. – LIFE FRAMER
NATALIE ARBER
The photographer takes a low angle on this affectionate moment as if to emphasize the importance of the connection between the two subjects – their mutual adoration and respect for one another apparent through the eye contact alone. The black and white image is smooth in appearance yet sharp in focus, making for a scene without conflict or complication. A perfect portrait of partnership that uses the full frame to great effect. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Fur-Sister.
KSENIA MIRNAYA
At first glance the image appears in conflict with its caption, as the viewer observes the two subjects turned away from one another, appearing without want for connection to one another. The delicately achieved double-exposure and black and white finish however create layers of depth, indicating a deeper and more complicated relationship. The photographer accomplishes their style with skill, attempting to photograph beyond the subjects and their steely facades. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Sisterhood.
OLIVIER CAUNE
The little subject quietly observes the outside world as she too is observed and documented in the stillness of the moment – as if the photographer is aware these uncomplicated, innocent times in youth are brief and need to be cherished. The warmth of the low light – both inside and outside the room – gives a secure sense of nurture and care to the scene. A charming portrait that holds a haunting element of passing time within it. – LIFE FRAMER
GUSSY LÖWENHIELM
The photographer cleverly balances the scene so the deep darkness of the dominating shadow adds atmosphere rather than distraction. The strong contrasting composition allows the viewer to employ their senses and feel the warmth of sunlight and smell of the street in the heat. An image full of mischief and nostalgia, but one that also allows enough space for the overall concept of the shyness that we often experience in youth when embarking on either a social or literal exploration for the first time. It almost looks as if this girl is on the threshold of two realities – which is in itself an apt visual metaphor for youthhood. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Shy.
EDUARDO TEIXEIRA DE SOUSA
Both children seem peaceful as they sleep uninterrupted by life around them. Regardless of the uncomfortable looking surface they rest on, the scene of slumber is calming and reassuring. The image is well balanced with shadow and light, only the bucket of plastic waste appears jarringly bright and out of place in a dark corner of the room. An image with many interpretations on youth and the environment, both hopeful and more troubled. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Angkor Dreams – Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
OLIVIA DE VILLAINE
There is so much emotion and warmth within this one scene as the photographer skillfully creates this poetic and unexpected portrait of love and affection, through natural light and a simple but clever composition. The identity of the child is obscured by the flower, allowing for the anonymity to create an accessible and relatable moment. An artistic interpretation of innocence and childhood. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Mother’s Day – In the photo, a child offers a white rose to her mother for Mother’s Day, the flower covering the child’s face.
KATHERINE PHILLIPS
The accompanying text is a powerful statement relating to the scene in uinteresting ways – there are comparisons between the little subject and the photographer through isolation and vulnerability, but also through a sense of exploration and creativity. The darkness of the scene initially brings an uncertain tension, however the boy’s presence although small brings an element of brightness and hope. It’s an unusual composition, but all the more memorable for it. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – “Lookes”. A boy in old ruins, sitting in an empty window frame.
Please note the titles of my photos, many of them are misspelled. This is no mistake. I believe art to be personal, and to be a piece of the artist. For this reason, I left the titles as I originally spelt them. I am dyslexic, but I am not ashamed of that. I have spent too much of my life wishing to be something I’m not, and I want to embrace this aspect of my identity and not something bad, but rather a catalyst for my creativity. I owe my unique world view to my disabilities, and in part I owe part of my artistic vision to them as well. I want to celebrate what makes me different. These titles are how I see the words they are meant to be, and I do not wish to make them anything other than that.
JEFFERSON BLACK
An animated scene full of play, movement and joy is presented for the viewer’s enjoyment. The color and tone of the image reflect the dry warmth of the sun that the girls bask in as they run and climb together. The slide centered in the frame gives the photograph structure, allowing the subjects to occupy different spaces, in and out of focus, to create a unique composition. We do wonder whether the perfect frame was moments before or after this one – with a child mid-slide and without the forehead of a child bottom right of frame. But nonetheless it’s an image infused with hope and delight. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – The Slide Line. These girls from the Great Commission Ministries Ashray School Home for girls in Vikarabad India, are the happiest people alive. They are orphans that have been saved, fed, clothed, schooled and homed. These photos are of them enjoying their lunch break at school, playing and laughing together. Pure joy!
SHOEB FARUQUEE
The viewer takes in this perfectly framed and exposed scene, each silhouette sharp in their own occupied space striking shapes and poses with their athletic movements. So much freedom is felt throughout the scene, as if each subject is exactly where they want to be doing exactly what they want at this moment in time. The sunset tones and clear reflections give the image its rich, inviting qualities. It’s a dramatic, artisitic and highly successful depiction of beach play, that exudes the magic of childhood. – LIFE FRAMER
EMILY ANIXTER
A beautiful capture of peace and innocence that taps right into the viewer’s senses – the smell and feel of sun on skin, the drowsiness caused by a full day out in salty sea air. The photographer chooses a close up perspective to creata a certain cosy intimacy to the portrait. The natural patterns of the child’s hair and rippled water surface compliment each other in tone and texture. A tactile and warming scene that communicates a profound beauty of childhood and parenthood. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – The dream state of a beach trip. The magical moments of childhood.
LAIMUTE KURIENE
The mangrove trees bend and dance in the background as if mirroring the children at the centre of this scene – almost as if they’re playing along with them in the waters. The girls’ bright coloured outfits set them apart from this earthy toned landscape, adding to their spark of movement and joy. The photographer has caught a moment of pure happiness, making it easy for the viewer to understand why they enjoy the connection to children through their work. A fabulous frame. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Sisters at the Sumba Island. Photographing children makes me always feel good, it puts me in touch with them and the emotions, no matter in which country of the world.
AZIM KHAN RONNIE
A block of bright color dominates the scene, scale and perspective only detonated by the little peering faces of the children at the heart of the picture. Although there is an element of mischief to the two children, they wear serious expressions, their gazes earnest as they stare at something beyond the photographer’s lens. The photographer is left to contemplate the surrounding environment these children seem so comfortable in. An interesting take on a double portrait. – LIFE FRAMER
JONATHAN JASBERG
The youth here are locked in the intensity of the moment, as if unaware of the photographer’s lens and the animated scene they have created. The low angle brings the viewer right into the action, allowing one to study the reaction of each subject’s face as the game progresses. A fun and theatrical scene that in a way subtly highlights the relevance of these games and sports in development of social skills and interaction for young people. A masterful street shot. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Eye on the ball – Kids play ping pong in a local park during in Kathmandu, Nepal.
GIEDO VAN DER ZWAN
This unorthodox style of portraiture – where the main subject sits on the margins of the scene – is immediately engrossing. There are many elements occurring at once for the viewer to consider and take in, but it’s the serious stare of the little boxer in the foreground that takes most of the attention, almost threatening but still full of youth and curiosity. The vibrant colors of the scene enhance the energy and activity embodied within the young these athletes. A worthy depicition of the intensity of youthhood, as well as the broader cultural context of Cuba. More from this series would be interesting to observe. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Boxing school in Havana.
NOEL ROJO
There is so much to interpret from this simple scene of daily family life, as the viewer is absorbed into the middle of this social gathering listening to women chatter, observing the background noises of the surrounding environment and feeling the warmth of the setting sun on their skin. The shadows of children at play cast shadows on the terracotta walls like a visual reminder that the children are never far from their parents’ minds, always nearby even when not the main focus of the attention. A lovely snapshot of the intergenerational aspect of everyday life. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
ALYSSA A
A striking scene of symmetry, pattern and nervous energy fill this frame. The photographer’s low perspective gives these subjects a sense of dominance and importance, although their close proximity and giddy demeanour give away the self-consciousness of their young years. A wonderful group portrait, unobvious and timeless. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Indian youth, 2023.
