1ST PRIZE: ISA SAVITRI

The color and cropping of this photograph are genuinely captivating and immediately caught my attention. The repeated use of red — from the woman’s vibrant fingernails to the shiny truck and the cluster of poinsettias — creates a cohesive visual thread that stands out against the blue sky. This artist’s use of color not only enhances the composition, but also infuses the photograph with a playful, light-hearted energy. Overall, the image radiates a charming, almost whimsical quality that is both delightful and engaging. – SHANA LOPES

Vibrant shades of red and blue fill the frame in a joyful and almost mesmerizing manner. The composition is nonconformist but well-balanced nonetheless. Color is the main focal point and narrative line, taking over both foreground and background, and delivering environmental clues and delicious details. One can hardly depart from this photograph, its apparently nonchalant air being, in fact, incredibly eye-catching. A clever candid shot. – LIFE FRAMER

2ND PRIZE: MARIO WONG

This photograph captures the essence and atmosphere of autumn through its poignant use of color. The choice of a low vantage point adds a dynamic perspective, creating a sense of immersion in the scene. The swirling motion and the branches in the foreground subtly obscure the individual, drawing attention instead to the rich textures and vibrant tones of the surrounding landscape. This framing invites the viewer to focus on the environment, emphasizing the movement of the season. The result is an image that feels at once intimate and expansive, evoking the crisp, transformative spirit of autumn, where changes in color take center stage. – SHANA LOPES

Autumn colors produce more than an aesthetic background in this photograph. The photographer very sensitively captured the changing of the seasons, the movement and the dynamism intrinsic to nature, and a broad range of feelings. A discrete focal point invites reverie and lures the viewer into an introspective mindset. This photograph transforms a lyrical scene into a very personal experience. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A Season Shade. The sun and moon revolve, the seasons shift, cycling endlessly. Yet, as time and memories fade with the seasons’ change, the bonds we once shared leave behind shades.

SEBASTIAN LEHRKE

This photograph captures two amazing natural phenomena, filling the frame with the fiery colors of an erupting volcano and the cold green and purple shades of the northern lights. It’s a eulogy of color, an ode to nature, and proof that photography brings us closer to the wonders of the world. The photographer denotes impressive technical skills too – producing such a wide dynamic range is easier said than done. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – The green umbrella above the fiery newborn land. The symbioses of elements and color: Singular events like seeing either the northern lights dancing wildly in the night sky or seeing an active volcano throwing lava into the air, are breathtaking enough to call it an event of a lifetime. However, seeing both events being combined in one of the strongest color contrasts and natural phenomena is a truly unique. As the northern lights winding above the newly born active volcano in southwest Iceland, it gives the feeling, they wanted to form a dancing umbrella above the fire, giving it a protective shield as well as a warm welcome. Both being formed by fire (ones from deep within the earth and the other by solarstorms from our nearest star, the sun).

TOM BARTOV

The photographer stops time to convey patience, resilience, grace, vulnerability, and other hard-to-catch-on film human emotions. There is a subtle use of color here that emphasizes the feminity of the models and harmonizes the scene. The stillness is impressive and produces a memorable feeling of togetherness and warmth, asking the viewer to witness a silent dance. One doesn’t dare to look away. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Nature’s Guardians. I delicately freeze moments in 30-second increments, capturing the essence of real women as they embrace their vulnerability amidst nature’s tranquility. This series is a study in the art of patience and precision, revealing the quiet strength found in the interplay of movement and stillness. Through my lens, witness the profound beauty of these unguarded moments, where the art of long exposure photography immerses you in the subtlety of human emotion and the grace of nature’s embrace.

ROB CADMAN

Simple, abstract, and impactful are the attributes that best describe this abstract composition in striking shades of yellow. Straight lines lead the viewer’s eye towards a somehow mysterious scene in which they get a glimpse of a shadow. This cleverly composed photograph denotes excellent storytelling skills, an eye for minimalism, and a strong sense of color. It’s clear that the photographer is curious about and engaged with the surrounding environment. – LIFE FRAMER

DINA ROSA

There is a sense of drama in this photograph in which the human and nature connect at a deep level. The sunset provides the colors, and the subject is there to take them all in, to catch the fire of the sun’s last rays. Taken from an unusual angle, this composition creates a dynamic perspective and manages to capture a beautiful color contrast that adds another layer of meaning to this farewell story. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – After a week of rain during our Outer Banks beach vacation, the sun decided to show up and show up big! We photographed the sunset but just as we were leaving, my daughter turned for one last look. She told me to look again at the sky because it just wasn’t finished. This was the last frame of the trip.

JUSTIN FRAZIER

This aerial shot captures the magical beauty of our planet, its endless colors and shapes, and its tireless transformation. At the same time, it shows the photographer’s engagement with the subject. There are many emotions behind the camera, and the viewer can sense them. There is awe, gratitude, and love. Taken from high above, this photograph is a bow to nature’s incredible artistic taste. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – This was taken in Iceland from above in a plane. It was a dream come true to see this place and take aerial images. It felt like another planet!

MARIO SCHNEIDER

This is a playful composition in which colors take the scene. But color contrast is not the only type of contrast that makes this photograph impactful and memorable. There is also a clash of lines, a separation between highlights and shadows, and a striking conceptual contrast between the boy’s frowning face and the excited cartoon astronaut below. The story reveals layer after layer of meaning, taking the viewer on an exciting ride across memories of childhood heroes and adventures. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – New York, Coney Island.

VICTORIA RUIZ

Colors have had a cultural meaning since the beginning of our civilization. This photograph brings homage to a cultural aspect close to the photographer’s heart in a sensible fashion. The subject, an artwork in itself, is the main focal point of the composition. All elements combine to make it shine: a central position, a contrasting background, just enough negative space. The photographer poured all their energy into conveying what’s important to them. And it worked. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Mis Flores Para Tu Altar (My Flowers for Your Altar)

The Orishas and saints are honored in altars that are always made following the characteristics of each deity, such as their colors, attributes, and defining qualities. Flowers are used as offerings to the Orishas and spiritual entities. This practice is related to the connection with nature, spiritual renewal, and the search for balance and protection. Inspired by my own altar, in which I honor my Orishas with flowers, it is about giving back to these beings that each represent an aspect of the environment and giving thanks to the endless blessing they create.

The Afro-diasporic religions of the Americas, including Santería-Ifá, Candomblé, Umbanda, and Espiritismo, among others, have historically served as sites of cultural resistance and adaptation, blending African spiritual traditions with indigenous and colonial influences. Within these religious frameworks, there is a complex relationship with the natural world, viewing it as sacred and imbued with spiritual significance. This series is inspired by Celia Cruz’s album “Homenaje a Los Santos,” one of her earliest albums that paved the way for ceremonial “Santero” music. The title “Para T? Altar” references a song in the album about the different types of flowers used to pay tribute to and honor the divine forces of Nature. During that time, there was much silence about the religion due to the widespread prejudice. It could be said that Celia did not truly understand that what she was doing at the time was transcendent for Cuba’s musical culture and the religion itself. Despite their cultural and ecological contributions, Afro-diasporic religions often face resistance and marginalization from dominant cultures.

MIRJAM LETSCH

The importance of colors in Indian culture is a fascinating subject, beautifully photographed in this picture. The contrast between the women’s colorful clothes and the neutral background emphasizes their spiritual journey, graceful movements, and faith. Colors play an essential role in their ceremony, which shows, once again, how much we’ve integrated them into our lives. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Faith in Varanasi, India.

MATT PAYNE

The photographer captures outstanding pastel colors at the border between the golden hour and the blue hour. Soft tones of orange and blue reflect on the white sand dunes, creating a gracious minimalist scene. There is movement in the stillness, a natural rhythm one can’t ignore, an inaudible melody. While very different from the street shots from which the phrase was coined, this photograph is a good example of what the ‘decisive moment’ means. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Pastel Sand Dunes – On my very first visit to the pristine white sand dunes of White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico near Alamogordo, I hiked deep into the park to capture this surreal pastel scene of the sand dunes at sunset. There was tremendous haze in the atmosphere due to high winds, which diffused the last light after the sun went down, casting amazing yet subtle colors on the white sand dunes, including orange, blue, purple, and pink. What an amazing experience to capture in a photograph.

OLIVIER LE

Building on color contrast, the photographer creates a complex composition that works on multiple levels. On an aesthetic level, it has vibrant tones of obsidian blue, soft notes of yellow and orange, straight green lines, and purple flowers. It’s a potpourri of colors that enchants the eye, delivering a joyful experience. But there is also a conceptual contrast that leaves room for interpretation. Overall, the photograph makes one curious to know more about the story. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Color duality.

ALFREDO DIANO

This photograph is a picture-in-picture composition that smartly places a group of women in colorful dresses at the center of attention. It’s an interesting way of documenting the women’s lifestyle candidly while capturing environmental details and local culture. By using a skewed angle and the sea in the background, the photographer adds depth and invites the viewer to look beyond preconceived ideas. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Beyond the window.

ISABEL MOMBAERTS

In this almost monochromatic composition with dramatic tones of dark turquoise, the photographer packs an entire way of life. An environmental shot as well as a candid portrait, the photograph is dynamic, full of energy, and moving. It conveys strength and determination in the face of vicissitudes, a century-long tradition, and a sense of purpose we can all admire. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From the serie Kurkuma’. Known as ‘the magic spice,’ kurkuma is far more than a mere ingredient; it’s a vibrant gateway to experiencing the heart and soul of India. This golden-hued spice whisks you away to the bustling streets of India, where the air is rich with exotic aromas, the markets dazzle with their riot of colors, and the boundless energy of the people sweeps you up in its embrace.

ERIC ROY BRANDVIK-HANSEN

With a surrealist approach, this photograph denotes a strong sense of color and space. There are overlaying color contrasts that blend into a harmonious composition, an unusual shooting angle, and an unexpected pose. At the edge of portraiture and fine art, the photograph reveals a playfulness and creativity that keep the viewer engaged, producing an artful work from mundane visual elements. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – I am a Photographer based in Norway. I currently study project development at the Norwegian School of Photography, where I’m in the process of making a book.

My work delves into the surreal, where everyday objects and human interactions take on new, unexpected forms. A key element in my photography, is the meticulous use of light. I often use light to shape the atmosphere, enhance textures, and highlight the surreal qualities of the image. This practice has become an essential part of transforming the familiar into something extraordinary.

I approach life with deep curiosity, and I want my work to encourage my viewers to do the same.

EDUARDO ORTIZ

The game of highlights and shadows is impressive as is the extensive palette of orange tones. The women’s clothes are mixed with sunset glows and candles, a manmade background aimed to improve their trade maybe, and traditional and modern hats. It’s an eclectic mix that conveys warm feelings, offers a glimpse into the local culture, and shows the deep engagement of the photographer. It’s a thoughtful photograph taken by someone who cares about the subjects. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Cochabamba, Bolivia.

LINDSEY RICKERT

Motivated by a love for flowers, the photographer produced an artful composition that emphasizes the delicacy and grace of a blossomed petals. The well-chosen background complements the subject, enriching its colors and making the interesting shapes stand out. With sharp edges and good use of negative space, this photograph has a timeless decorativeness to it. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Otherworldly Botanicals is an ongoing series inspired by the beauty and resilience found in nature. This project began with a moment of discovery, when I noticed the blooming of my four o’clock plant one afternoon. These exquisite flowers bloom late in the day and lose all their petals by the next morning, presenting a fleeting yet magical moment. I was captivated and quickly brought them into my studio, approaching them as I would a portrait of a person.

As time passed, more botanical subjects emerged, each with its unique form and character, inspiring me to explore further. This series is created entirely in-camera using the transformative power of studio lights and gel paper, resulting in the rich and saturated colors that define my work. Through Otherworldly Botanicals, I aim to bring light to the darkness, highlighting the extraordinary beauty in the seemingly ordinary and creating a sense of connection and wonder.

BEX MAINI

The photograph uses colors to showcase their influence on our younger selves but also their impact on the way we perceive our bodies and beauty. It’s a complex composition with multiple layers of depth, contrasts, and options for interpretation. The photographer is deeply engaged with the subject and has a clear vision of the message they want to convey. As a result, the photograph is a conversation starter. – LIFE FRAMER

ROSARIO LO PRESTI

Such powerful colors and contrast are hard to forget. The photographer documents the busy fish market through colors, allowing them to infuse the entire frame, from foreground to background. Even though the vibrant tones may seem joyful, their true purpose is to underline the hard work of the people. It’s an interesting use of color as a means to draw attention and raise awareness on a completely different topic. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Yangon, Myanmar, fish market.

CAMILLE RAYNAUD

With its soft earth tones, this photograph brings nature to our attention. Subtle colors are as meaningful as vivid ones, and nature masters the entire spectrum. The viewer finds a calm atmosphere, familiar scenery, the beauty of shapes and textures, and the infinite forms nature can take. The lines of the horse’s body are almost lost in the fine lines of the mountain, producing a beautiful visual effect. A natural connection is born between the viewer, the scene, and the photographer. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Near Essaouira, Morocco, 2024.