EDITORS’ PICK
The Stories Within Ourselves
HUMANS
HUMANS EDITORS’ PICK
Following Amy Toensing’s selection of winning images for our recent Humans 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: RENE KUIPERS
The warm light coming through the window emphasizes the subject’s dreamy attitude and makes one wonder. Although the subject seems small in comparison with the surrounding dark space, that soft light illuminating her face makes her stand out and capture the viewer’s full attention. The viewer can’t help but be curious about her thoughts and feelings, and that’s a great achievement for a photographer. – LIFE FRAMER
TOBY BINDER
This dramatic black and white photograph captures a few of the multitude of human layers, creating an exciting documentary tableaux. The viewer is touched by the energy and restlessness of youth, the industrial background, the piles of garbage, and the rhythmic arrangement of houses. Looking at this picture, it’s easy to see (and judge) the present but, more importantly, it’s clear how the future will look like if nothing changes in this human world. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Teenagers who started a fire on wasteland in Rodan Street, 2024, from my long-term documentary about teenage life in Belfast.
ARIANA SAIGH
Finding similarities in apparently disjunct worlds is a way of emphasizing shared humanity and raising awareness of the things we have in common. The composition is full of contrasts, from conceptual ones to visual ones, but the limited space of the frame brings them all together naturally. It’s a lot to take in, so the viewer will most likely wander from foreground to background, from the main focal point to subtle shadows, and back again. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Photography is my way of bridging worlds, connecting people through stories that reflect the beauty, resilience, and shared humanity I see in every place I visit.
The Shemagh Ball, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
ALAIN RIVIERE-LECOEUR
This fine art portrait of a mother nursing her child is a tender reminder of the cycle of life. Humanity is, after all, part of nature’s cycles, a cog in the vast system of life. With an artful lighting design and background, the image demonstrates attention to detail and a lyrical (almost poetic) approach to photography. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Nourishing earth. The earth is nourishing the woman, who is feeding the child. The cycle of life.
LAUREN STEWART
Is this a story about a young girl going through a tragic accident? No. It’s a story about the worst part of humanity. We don’t like to say it, but people are capable of terrifying acts of cruelty and violence. This photograph raises awareness and doesn’t let us forget that some of the objects we so cleverly invent are weapons, and some of the actions we so thoroughly conduct are wars. The background made of myriads of spots is a memorable detail. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Insha: On July 11th 2016, in Sedow Village in Kashmir, 14 year old Insha Mushtaq Lone was looking out of a window in her home when she was shot in the face with over 100 small, iron pellets during protests after the death of popular Hizbul Mujahideen leader, Burhan Wani. She was completely blinded in both eyes.
AMIT LENNON
This group portrait takes a little while to absorb in full. Each person has a different pose, attitude, and mood, displaying a wide range of human emotions. They look largely undisturbed by the photographer’s presence, which is a skill few photographers have. At the same time, the framing fits them like a glove, a well-orchestrated composition playing on patterns and colors. Regardless of whether they won the match or not, this is a triumphant photo. – LIFE FRAMER
IRENE BEL
This unexpected composition slowly reveals its elements, a story of human connection. It denotes impressive artistry of balance and storytelling through contrast and color. With a minimum of visual elements, the photographer composes a rich, meaningful scene, showing that connection doesn’t happen only between the people in the photograph but also between the photographer and their models. – LIFE FRAMER
CAI LEPLAW
The photograph focuses on optimism as an essential human condition. An almost before-after shot, it captures the lesson that comes with each endeavour. We survive physically, but do we have the inner strength to look beyond the surface and continue to live? The subject of this photograph seems to have found a way to embrace life with candour and playfulness. It’s a very human photograph, full of empathy and sensitivity. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Matt. Meeting Matt on our construction site was a pivotal moment in my artistic journey. His presence, marked by a distinctive clearing of his throat, drew me in, leading to conversations that revealed the depth of his experience.
After losing an eye at 25, Matt faces the world with resilience, navigating the judgments that come with first impressions. Yet, what stands out most is his childlike optimism and kindness–qualities that everyone needs. His unwavering spirit serves as a powerful reminder to look beyond the surface and embrace empathy.
Thank you, Matt, for inspiring me to reflect on our shared humanity and the importance of understanding each other’s narratives.
CARLOS RUIZ
In this shot, the photographer is as present as the model. The closeness and unusual angle of the framing display the energy that draws the two to each other. It’s clear this is an encounter more than a portrait, and the bright light above proves it. I appreciate how the model stands out in the picture, almost popping out of the frame to greet the viewer. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Stranger 008 Austin, TX. Strangers – While wondering the streets with my camera, I find inspiration in making quick intimate portraits of total strangers. Every portrait for me, is about character, style and location but most importantly about the connection during our brief interaction.
CLAIRE DAM
All humans are storytellers, even when they don’t know it. The raw appearance of someone tells a story, and this photographer knows it. A simple and immediate composition, with no effects or enhancements, is the most suited perspective to tell the subject’s story, to let him shine and share his thoughts and feelings. It’s the kindness approach, the best one a photographer can have. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Culturally we don’t like thinking about disease, ageing and death even though it is an inescapable part of living.
As I age, and am caught in between being a mom and being a caregiver to my ailing parents, my heart is draw towards our “invisible” elders.
I’ve had the privilege of being allowed into the private lives of an 83 year old raw-silk artist, a 63 year old landscape designer, a dementia and Parkinson’s sufferer, among others.
Everyone has a story to tell and a right to tell it. My hope is that through this project I can remind us of the beauty and humanity we all share, regardless of our age or diagnosis.
ESTELA DE CASTRO
A touching family portrait that extends the definition of family beyond the human species. The photographer shows empathy and support toward the subject, and the viewer can sense the commitment. Furthermore, to enhance the story, all characters are placed on the same level and complemented by the choice of colors, proving greatly how composition can support storytelling. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Retratos de Familia is a project that shows multispecies families. Families where all the individuals that appear in the photographs, regardless of the species, are considered part of that family. Animals that have been rescued, many of them from a cruel industry that makes their short lives hell. I have portrayed families like Carla and Angel’s, who pose with their children Lean and Nanuq. They are dedicated to rescuing Nordic dogs from kennels in terrible conditions, in addition to all kinds of animals that need help.
All the people who appear in this selection of portraits are animal rights activists. All animals have been rescued from different situations of abuse and no type of exploitation is carried out on them.
CHRISTINA RIEDL
Love is a big part of our story, and it has many faces. This overlapping of kisses makes us aware of humanity’s long journey (still unfinished) toward acceptance and inclusivity. The composition is dynamic and abstract, enhanced by the absence of color, and supports the story very well. It’s crowded and dramatic to make the viewer take notice and act. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – An Iconic Kiss. My brother and his husband from Amsterdam, who is 30 years older than him, kiss in Berlin at the East Side Gallery. It’s not just the kiss on the Berlin Wall between Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker that is iconic. My brother J?rgen found his one true love in Amsterdam and moves from Bavaria there to be with his partner Frits; a Protestant pastor 30 years older than he. J?rgen and Frits can in Amsterdam realize their love together. For my brother, J?rgen, the path there has been a rocky one. A story about an extraordinary love and the journey to individual normality…because normal is different for everyone. When I was studying in Berlin, the two of them visited me and I made a documentary film about them. This photo was the beginning.
LENKA KLICPEROVÁ
Our awareness brings us joy but also suffering. Our powerful intellect brings us comfort but also weapons. This impressive picture shows the suffering induced by war, which separates us from all we hold dear and hurts people and animals alike. It is a call to love and peace infused with emotions on both sides of the lens. It’s clear that the photographer is deeply engaged with the subject and the theme of the photograph. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Russkiy Mir – Suffering In Ukraine. From the first day of the special operation the Russians began the “denazification” of Ukraine and started to enforce the so-called Russkiy mir. The concept of the Russian world, which Putin’s Russia is trying to impose by force in Ukraine, brings only death, destruction and suffering. For the time being, the Ukrainians have been united in their fight against Russia and are defending themselves with unprecedented determination against a much stronger enemy.
KUBA ŚWIETLIK
An artistic demonstration of highlights and shadows, this portrait puts in perspective humanity’s bright and dark layers, its raw essence. By using a graphical composition in which all the lines lead to the main subject, the photographer creates a strong focal point and invites the viewer to a contemplative moment. The person in this photograph could be any one of us. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – A quiet and intimate portrait of Pharos at his home in L.A. From an ongoing series of portraits of queer men.
MARTINA HOLMBERG
This portrait of a young woman with a clear traumatic past shows the sensibility and thoughtfulness of the photographer. Instead of speaking about what’s obvious and casting a shadow over the subject, the photographer chooses to speak about resilience, determination, beauty beyond borders, and the celebration of inner power. The model’s pose, facing the light, is a nice compositional touch that opens up the perspective and conveys hope. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – When Mel was two years old she was involved in a car fire which left her with severe burns. While university life had its challenges, she wants to encourage others with a visible difference to follow their dreams.
PEDRO POVEDA
If you look closely at this picture, you’ll discover so many layers of human reality. From spirituality to biology, from enlightenment to mundane manmade objects, the photographer captures so much of what we are and what we hope to be. It’s a truthful representation of our lives and of the body, mind, and soul trinity that governs us. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Kathmandu, Nepal.
ALAN BURLES
The juxtaposition of layers creates an intriguing picture. Although they have an outstanding landscape behind them, all the people in this photograph choose to read. A moment later, one realizes that the background is not real. The photographer spotted the moment and found a great camera angle to showcase human passion for the written word. A whimsical composition, vibrant and colorful, that surprizes and enchants the viewer at every step. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival, Wales.
BENIZI SANTAMARIA
An expression of human connection, this photograph depicts a moment of fun in the otherwise hard workday of miners. The composition and choice of tones bring people closer together and make the viewer feel part of the group. Regardless of their country of origin, race, social status, or job, they are brought together by camaraderie, a universal human emotion. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Portraits of Indonesia. Throughout my travels, photography has become my visual journal. The images I have chosen here depict life’s many facets from the joys of birth to the loss of death, between these are my snippets of individuals, families and communities young and old living their lives. Photographs may come without words but aren’t silent. They are not void of emotions. It is my hope that through my images, it will be you the viewer who will speak for them and read their stories within.
Gold Miners take their midday break – Bitung, Sulawesi.
LIEVEN ENGELEN
This photograph captures sport’s purpose: to lift our spirits in the darkest times, fulfil the need for belonging, and befriend us. The image is constructed around a simple ball but filled with clues that complete the story. The austere environment, unsuited for this type of activity, body language, and clothing all combine to convey a comprehensive message, awaken empathy, and remind us of our shared human needs. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Reaching for the stars. Be Just Soccer Club on Cape Coast Rock in front of the former slave castle. Reaching for the stars. Football was all they cared for. Because sadly it made them forget their hungry stomachs and gave them a feeling of belonging.
MICHELLE OSPINO
John Lennon once said in a song, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making plans.” The photograph captures the serenity of a moment, the indulgence of just being. The choice of analog colors, with little contrast and comforting warm tones, shows that the photographer was a discrete witness, careful not to disturb. As a result, the viewer, too, is invited to breathe in and take a moment just to be. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – A group of men stop for morning chai in Kolkata, India.
