1ST PRIZE: LAURA AZZALIN

I really love the way the photographer has brought color into the narrative like a frame. It shows their creativity and thinking outside the box. They bring the viewer inside the image in a really fantastic way. – DJENEBA ADUAYOM

An animated frame of electric pink holds this street scene, as the viewer takes a perspective on the city from within this culturally iconic car. The photographer exposes the photograph perfectly as they balance the detail from foreground and background and allows the senses to take priority – from the feel of the car’s interior to the smell of the city in the hot sun. There are layers of detail within this immersive image. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Pink Floridita, Havana, 2018.

2ND PRIZE: NICOLAS CASTERMANS

A gorgeous and very strong image. I love the way the color is isolated from the background together with the perspective of the person being on top of the hill looking down at the city in the background. Beautiful composition and clever use of color. – DJENEBA ADUAYOM

An impressive, cinematic vista of mountains, people and pilgrimage welcomes the viewer’s gaze. The red and white flag dominates the scene as representation of the nation’s identity is paramount to this particular celebration of worship, culture and tradition. Color in the symbolic sense. Clouds of smoke and dust rise from the valley crowded with festival revellers, gathering to pray and pay homage while celebrating and sharing the momentous experience. It’s brilliantly composed to capture the weight of the moment. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Qoyllur Rit’i is the snow and star festival of Peru. It is the most important pilgrimage in the entire Andes. Peru is a Catholic country. Still, it is very much a syncretic one, meaning that Andean cosmology and spiritual tradition live alongside Catholic belief. Every year, around May or June, about 100,000 people walk 8 kilometers up high in the mountains to pray the ” Lord of Qoyllur Rit’i “, at 4,700 meters above the sea level in the region of Cusco. Thousands of dancers and musicians perform and celebrate religious beliefs during more than a week.

SPECIAL MENTION: ANTONIA STEYN

I love the depth of these amazing tones. It is rather difficult to balance certain tones. The photographer really nailed that balance between light and shadows here, allowing the colors to speak and bring a sense of luxury to this image. Great work. – DJENEBA ADUAYOM

An exceptional double-portrait – lit and composed to perfectly balance the past, present and future South Africa the photographer discusses and contemplates. The image is carefully layered with inherited, generational symbology as the two models present a strong profile as a new and emerging identity for the youth of the country. The image is illustrious and considered on both an aesthetic and conceptual level. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From my series Bellville Paradise. The emergence and development of Modernist architecture in South Africa is widely associated with Afrikaner nationalism and the Church. These spaces became the embodiment of white male supremacy and gender, race and religious inequality.

The genesis of the inspiration for Bellville Paradise came from a home in Bellville, designed by APS Conradie (architect), who was the architect of many Modernist churches in South Africa. The project delivers social commentary, not only on the commercial industry, but also debunks 70’s South African culture (to which the collective were born into and drew inspiration from). Church and the home were fully integrated, an extension of each other.

The opulence and luxury delivers social commentary on the ‘have’s ‘ – almost an obsessive, compulsive, gathering/ collecting of luxury goods. The jelly and mould are a reference to every social event and church bazaars at the time. The three protagonists seamlessly embrace the masculine and feminine, the young and the old. There is a fluidity in gender roles which was very strictly denied in apartheid South Africa. They are the fathers, the sons and the ‘holy mothers’.

TAY YEE MING

The unity of celebration dominates the scene as the palanquin bearers both embrace and avoid the firecracker smoke. The tiger-print, patterned uniforms lead the viewer’s eye across the image, where the commitment to this ritual is painted across each subject’s face in a range of emotions. The photographer’s angle and framing creates an intimate and engaging perspective of a deeply treasured tradition. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – As Taiwan’s most worshipped deity, the birthday of the goddess Mazu is a busy and important period in Taiwanese religion. This special feature of Beigang processions is the exploding of huge piles of firecrackers underneath the palanquins, while the palanquin bearers stand around, a practice called Chi Pao.

ANDREA BALDACCINI

The image perfectly depicts how light can transform an ordinary space into something wondrous. As the sun moves through the day the appearance of these mundane urban areas quietly alter as if a living and breathing thing responding and reacting to its environment. An elegantly captured scene reminding the viewer to stop and observe the elements of daily life that are often taken for granted. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A Golden Hour in Milano. The so-called “golden hour,” when the sun is about to set, is the hour of perfect balance for capturing light in the lens. The sun’s rays, or rather what remains of them illuminate the scene at just the right angle and with just enough light not to dazzle the subjects too much, giving those special golden highlights to the scenes you come across. A perfect balance destined soon to disappear but now imprinted and eternal inside you.

INGE COLIJN

Dark and light work together in harmony to give this portrait a tangible essence. Texture weaves into all aspects of the image – from the shoemaker’s bare skin to the grooved surface of the shoe sole and the hard grained, wooden door. The photographer captures a sense of anticipation or expectation in the subject as he busies himself with his task. A beautifully composed and considered portrait. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Making shoe soles in Havana, Cuba.

JAKOB VEGERFORS

An awe-inspiring, almost apocalyptic scene invites the viewer to witness the earth’s natural elements at play. The photographer’s patience and technical abilities were key in capturing the extraordinary scene, their understanding of the landscape and geographical knowledge underpinning the image. An inspirational moment that reminds the viewer of the magnificence of this planet and our responsibilities as humans to respect and protect it. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A pretty unique scene, with aurora borealis dancing over the valley where the inner heat of Earth is breaking out. The time window to catch scenes like this was short, as the eruption in 2022 started just when the aurora borealis started to disappear for the season, and the weather only gave us one night where we could see both the eruption and the aurora borealis. Many hours of waiting, and they finally appeared.

JEAN JEAN BEAUSOLEIL

The abstract image instantly plays on the viewer’s vision, blurring lines of shape and color as they fuse and make the photograph appear as if it is moving – like a living, breathing figure. Without specific clarity or detail the viewer’s eyes automatically create a portrait of a person. A striking composition of color, form and style, coalescing to create an intriguing portrait. – LIFE FRAMER

GLEN WILBERT

There is an effortless, soft palette used throughout this scene, enabling shadow and geometry to mix seamlessly within the warm sunlight. The concrete archway appears almost organic as it frames the sea and horizon line without conflict, allowing the viewer a glimpse of the ocean as they contemplate the scene. An exceptional composition elevated by a balanced use of color and tone, not to mention the small pigeon bringing some levity as it goes about its morning business. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Sunrise, Huntington Beach, California.

EMILY NEVILLE FISHER

Symmetrical furnishings and textiles fill this almost monochrome scene, as the children sit for the photographer amongst the carefully designed décor – simultaneously appearing unsure and unperturbed about the situation they’re in. The wide crop of this double-portrait permits the viewer to take in the setting and study each object individually, gaining more insight into the owner of this extravagant space. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – The Green Room.

MAURO GARCIA

Color and pattern clash and blend, skewing perspective and subject matter all at once – the viewer is compelled to take their time making sense of the scene and hive of activity within it. There is a warm sense of community and togetherness within the image as movement and collaboration takes over individual identity. A marvellous candid scene of connection in motion. – LIFE FRAMER

EMILY LARSEN

Taking a well-worn subject matter, the photographer has taken care to layer the image, drawing the viewer in so they can almost taste, smell, touch the color orange through the many elements of the scene. Tone and form compliment each other as the central sculptural aspects of the image anchor the dreamlike quality. A full sensory experience reveals itself through this photograph. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Orange, 2023, from my series Color Studies.

AZIM KHAN RONNIE

This bird’s eye view gives a unique perspective on Holi celebrations, removed from the action and emotion but echoing the photographer’s words on how the popularity of this celebrated festival has spread – the color moving outwards from the source like blood through arteries. The streets appear pink with festivity as they connect neighbourhoods full of people gathering and commemorating the occasion. An expansive and captivating image, packed with pattern and spirit. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Holi is a Hindu festival that is celebrated each year at the beginning of spring signifies love and the victory of good over evil. This tradition has carried on for centuries and uniqueness of the occasion along with the drama, the history, and the burst of colours to make this into a global event. Holi is an ancient Hindu tradition and also one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of god Radha Krishna. The day also signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the victory of god Vishnu as Narasimha Narayana over Hiranyakashipu. It originated and is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent but has also spread to other regions of Asia and parts of the Western world through the Indian diaspora.

ELENA PARASKEVA

A peculiar composition with an even more intriguing caption engages the viewer. The swimmer truly does appear lost, but their facial expression alludes to being lost within oneself, rather than in a literal or geographical sense. The photographer has considered their photograph in detail; from the positioning of the subject’s body and face, to the varying lines of perspective, and how the two dominant colors meet. The wider series would be wonderful to observe. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From the series The Lost Swimmers.

KIERAN JONES

Frames sit within frames, highlighting different elements of this detailed and closely cropped scene. The subject’s well-worn makeup palette appears as if it has lovingly become a relied upon tool – a go-to accessory for color, texture and concealing. The viewer takes in the select few items in view within the close proximity of the red hued space – with no obvious connection beyond general possessions, the focus is brought back to the subject in the mirror and their current objective. A beautifully produced image that might benefit from a little more context in the accompanying statement. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia, 2016.

YANIS ANGEL

Where does the art end and the artist begin?! With the simple thread of the color pink, the photographer is able to portray the common concept of how personal and exclusive an artist’s work is to them, how they embody their art inside and out. From the context provided in the accompanying text, we’d suggest that this series could make for a fantastic photobook capturing portraits, ideas and conversation. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From my series Makers, which I created out of interactions with artists in their homes, studios and workspaces. A product of long collaborative sessions where we share ideas, stories, beliefs, ways we operate and what keeps us going, whilst exploring the visual possibilities of the space, the person and their art.

HANS HEYE

Neat patches of unfamiliarity appear as strange, vibrant colors within this ordinary place – as if it was specifically selected and carefully spray painted. The photographer contemplates these modern residential blocks and attempts to bring an element of soul and personality to their facades and surroundings via traditional architectural design and rendering. A considered image where color and saturation are perfectly weighted to enhance this otherwise unexciting corner of the world. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From my latest project ‘Re – Image’ with which I practice architectural photography in my own way. I focus on the passion and conviction with which an architect tries to influence, to celebrate, the life of the inhabitants of the residential blocks. In the past they would do this by applying color and dynamics to the buildings. Today’s buildings have lost much of their flair. With my project I give color and dynamism to residential blocks and their surroundings. As the architect might have intended.

FLOOR MINNEMA

The man appears subtly as if an extension of the rocks, quietly absorbing the landscape in stillness as both the photographer and the viewer look on in appreciation and intrigue. The earthy hues and tones of the scene amplify the elements of mindfulness and connection with the natural surroundings. An image of calmness where the colorway enhances and compliments the mood of the moment. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – I stumbled upon this man meditating while on an early morning stroll on Vancouver island. With the bit of haziness in the sky and the pastel color palette, this scene breathes tranquillity for me.

SIMON BRANDON

A striking shape cuts through the scene, reminiscent of a festival sculpture as it illuminates this coastal wetland. The photographer chooses to take a positive perspective on this practice of dumping redundant boats in a precious natural habitat, undertaking a detailed labour of love and creativity. A fantastic blend of photography and sculpture. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – I live beside the Thames Estuary in southeast England. Much of the coast here is characterised by flat, muddy marshland threaded with swampy creeks. For years, unwanted boats have been driven up these creeks and left to rot. These images are my way of bringing them back to life. I want to draw attention back to these abandoned vessels and their mysteries, and to brighten up this often dun and drab landscape with the colours and trappings of celebration.

ALYSSA A

A beautiful moment of calm and connection welcomes the viewer, the soft dark gradient quietening the scene as it embodies the backdrop and engages the women. The strong connection between the group is apparent, turned to the horizon and taking in the daily natural wonder of sunset. A well captioned moment of mindfulness and serenity. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – The sun goes down to rise again. This is the breath of life. Inhale and exhale, over and over again. India, 2023.