1ST PRIZE: HOSSEIN FARDINFARD

The sparseness of Merry’s surroundings visually echo a similar void in her life that has been created through the loss of her husband and brother. Despite her minimal possessions, the organised and tidy room speak to me of her personality and circumstances as the spaces people live in often do. – TODD ANTONY

Even though the subject seems small compared to the space around her, her story fills the room. This portrait of an old lady sitting quietly at a table, surrounded by the artefacts of her life is testimony to the human condition. People face loss and adversities, flee their homes leaving everything behind, carry heavy memories anywhere they go, and still survive to tell their story. The photographer engaged deeply with the subject, which makes the image emotional and vibrant. Wonderfully done. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Nameless 1, from the series Blackout. Merry, a survivor of the Abkhazia war in 1992, Merry experienced profound personal loss when her brother and 53-year-old husband were killed by Abkhaz separatist forces. With a wounded leg, she managed to escape and hide in a forest for two weeks. As the war concluded, the separatists forcibly expelled many Georgians from Abkhazia. Merry was among those who were transported by trucks to new locations. After a harrowing journey, she found herself in Tskaltubo, living alone in a small room within what was once a luxurious Soviet-era sanitarium.

2ND PRIZE: ANAIS STUPKA

A fantastic interpretation of the bronze serpent on a pole. Our attention is drawn in by the gaze of both the man and the snake. The fluid shapes of the snake interplay with the hard contrast lighting. The curve of his fingers echoing the shape of the snake while also showing the viewer how relaxed and almost symbiotic they are together. Joined both physically and through colour. – TODD ANTONY

A beautiful, creative portrait that captures the unique bond between man and animal. It’s infused with warm colors and smooth textures, and the composition is exquisite, denoting a mindful understanding of lines and contrast. To do justice to both subjects, the photo has two focal points, beautifully emphasized by the game of highlights and shadows. Revealing itself slowly, the photograph is rich in meaning and emotions. Immediately striking, but with a real depth too. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Necustan.

PATRICK WERNER

A revealing close-up, this intense portrait dares to address the pain built into human nature. The main focal point is the facial expression, the character being stripped of any other context or features, which makes the photographer’s job much more difficult but intensifies the artistic effect. The excruciating pain of the subject is perceived by the viewer at a sympathetic level, arousing compassion. The photograph conveys its message admirably. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – The painful world of highly sensitive people.

MAURO DE BETTIO

The dramatic contrast between the black background and the bright purple of the subject’s clothing speaks for itself. Emerging from a dark past, this woman definitely has a story to tell, one above bravery, resilience, and commitment to a better life. The portrait has an immediate and profound impact on the viewer. The gaze goes naturally from one detail to another. She has a defensive pose but a courageous attitude. The photographer’s style complements her figure and emphasizes her strength. Bravo. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Acid Attack Survivor, Bangladesh.

TOBY BINDER

The photographer captures so well the drama of teenage life in this black and white, nonconformist portrait. Although the background is rich in context and detail, the figure in the foreground remains the focal point. The young man’s expression – frowned, tormented, determined, maybe somehow scared – portrays the challenges of coming of age. What chaos do youth like him grow up in and inheret? The artistry of the composition and the documentary aspects mix perfectly in this shot. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Andrew on a chair at wasteland, Ravenhill, 2024 from Youth in Belfast, my long-term documentary about teenage life in Belfast.

MEERA LEHR

In or out, hiding or exploring, soothed or scared – the duality of this portrait is fascinating. A creative composition, beautifully lit, with a central subject that captures the entire attention, the image focussing on the self, the one we want to change, keep, or hide. Leaving aside the social context, we face only our inner voice. The photographer beautifully depicts the personal journey, the identity challenges, that each of us faces. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A Wrong Fairytale deals with our disrupted relationship to ourselves and to the outside world – and how this is interwoven. How close are we to ourselves? How alienated have we become?

GABRIELLE KANNEMEYER

The photographer has strong storytelling skills and understands the power of documentary portraiture. Although posed, this photograph shows the free spirit of the boy and his connection with the horse. The frame includes a relevant background and uses natural tones to underline the realism of the scene. Details are slowly revealed, enriching the story, providing context, and inviting the viewer to engage. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Wesley Davids and Slain. This portrait is from an ongoing series called The Valley of Grace capturing South African horse culture. I’ve become deeply involved in documenting a group of gifted young cowboys in a small valley known as The Valley of Grace. This old mission town is home to a vibrant community of youth who socialise, train, and ride wild-roaming horses. In addition to working on the documentary, I’m also teaching over 30 young riders photography.

In these access-limited small towns, cameras, and printed photos are quite hard to come by. Without documentation, history fades and distorts with our memories as we grow older. A key part of the project focuses on equipping these young riders with the tools they need to create their own archives or photo memory banks of their wonderfully rich lives, preserving their stories and experiences for the future.

Horse communities in South Africa are vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition. There are dedicated, loving and talented equestrians in every corner of this country and their relationships with their horses are distinctly unique. Exploring these communities is a fascinating window into all of our similarities and differences through our shared love of these animals.

There are also challenges, particularly in areas where resources are scarce, and opportunities for growth and development are limited. I want people to understand that these communities are not just about the love of horses, but also about resilience, culture, and identity. The bond that people have with their horses is often a reflection of their connection to their land, history, and each other. These communities play a vital role in preserving the heritage of South Africa. By understanding and valuing these strong and dignified culture-rich communities, we can help ensure that they continue to flourish for generations to come.

NATALIE ARBER

When a photographer bravely turns the lens on themselves, framing becomes a challenge. However, there is a level of intimacy, of raw honesty, that no other type of portrait can replicate. When they photograph themselves, the photographer exposes everything, soul and matter. This black and white portrait shows vulnerability but also the strength to go forward, supported by the art of photography. And the framing is particularly creative and effective – staring into a cabinet as if to confront the mundanity of another day of prescription drugs, of being housebound. A moving self-portrait. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Cause Unknown. Full of steroids and coming down from adrenalin, I am covered in ECG electrodes after being released from hospital following my 6th allergic reaction for the year – cause unknown.

LOGAN WHITE

The viewer’s attention is caught by the dreamy effect of this double portrait. There is a sense of poetry here, emphasized by pastel colors and the partly obscured silhouettes. Working with clarity and symmetry, the photographer enters the complicated world of adolescence, where an amalgam of reality and fantasy takes over each experience. Discoveries await at every corner, eager to be in the spotlight. A beautifully metaphorical shot to illustrate a quite challenging topic. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Hearts Content Road refers to a series of surreal and allegorical portraits taken in Upstate New York. This body of work explores the dual nature of fantasy – a realm that provides both escape and excitement, yet harbors its own shadows of uncertainty. I employ staging, symbolism, and candid documentation to create a collaborative mythology of shared experiences, expressing the interior narratives of historically overlooked voices, specifically, teenage girls. The setting evokes a sense of isolation and tension, reflecting the claustrophobic nature of being confined to a body and the struggle to define oneself under the scrutiny of societal expectations. During the period of coming of age, with the close proximity of the forest, the palpable sense of longing is undeniable. Whether through performative gestures or enacting girlhood rituals, the stage is set for delving into the subconscious, uncovering hidden truths and forgotten mysteries. In an era where feeling disconnected from the cultural moment of immediate and impersonal image-making is prevalent, working in this way creates an uncanny sisterhood and facilitates meaningful human connection.

KYLE LUI

The image portrays two people brought together by a common passion for dancing. Using desaturated colors and dramatic contrast, the photographer artistically encapsulates their relationship in a single shot. The dynamic between the two, their contortions, and the way they blend into each other only to find themselves again offer a meaningful insight into their story. All visual elements in the frame support the same idea, creating a cohesive work. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A portrait portraying the close friendship of Alex Aina and Loi Xuan Ly that evolved from their longstanding mutual love for dancing, specifically breaking. Alex and Loi met 14 years ago at a youth dance class when they were both 17 years old, and have been dancing together ever since.

PIERRE BANOORI

The photograph has an unusual composition in which three visually striking elements – a man’s face, a bear’s head, and a shadow – compete for the viewer’s attention. Intelligently framed, the portrait reveals a generation-long tradition and the powerful connection between man and animal, dating from the beginning of humankind. In particular, the relationship between man and bear provided answers for material, spiritual, and identity needs and is still a fascinating topic today. It’s a confronting image, for good reason. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From the series Homo Ursus. It’s 1pm on a sunny February day. Fort Lagarde in Prats-de-Mollo stands solemnly atop a hill, surrounded by the silent & snow-capped Pyrenees, brushed by a fresh mountain breeze. A harmonious tranquillity only to be broken by the echoing thunder of gunshots and pluming white clouds. People start running down the hills in a cheery panic. The bears have been unleashed.

Research suggests that humans have worshipped bears since paleolithic times. Early humans may have perceived lone bears – fearce, strong and able to stand upright – as gods amongst men. Today we are mostly left with tall tales and legends passed down from ancient mythologies. But there are communities that still celebrate the bear. Romania has dancing bear festivals every December, while the Ainu in Japan revere the bear as the god of all gods.

ADAM DOCKER

The chiaroscuro technique is impressive and suits the character’s dual personality – one notices the interior light and darkness effortlessly. Opting for black and white, the photographer blocks out the context and creates a safe space where the character can be himself, revealing layer after layer of emotion. It’s an honest portrait that looks deep into the human soul. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Paddy. Self described as the local ‘shithead’, he is a one time hitman and smackhead. He’s had his face chewed by a pit-bull, has been shot countless times. He’s a Tasmanian Devil, a loveable rogue, initially aggressive and suspicious that you’re an undesirable undercover cop, but once you’re approved he’s then all over you like a rash.

ALEXIA EGGLESTON

Going beyond the commonly accepted concept of American culture, the photographer creates a portrait that defies the stereotypes. The photo is not a capture of an individual moment, but a story of a strong character fighting social standards. One can see in this portrait how popular culture interferes with the personal journey of the model, forcing her to overcome obstacles that shouldn’t be there in the first place. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – American Honey, from a 13 image commentary (representative of the 13 colonies) entitled True Americana. The images pose a juxtaposition of the unrealistic stereotypes of the predominantly white Americana aesthetic with a more representative and accurate depiction of the melting pot that makes up the U.S. This includes models of various races, ages and shapes and sizes. It has always been my goal to represent the underrepresented. By giving them a platform, it creates hope for a positive future that has yet to exist.

The word “Americana” is defined as, “things associated with the culture and history of America, especially the United States.” With this being the case it is obvious that most of the history and culture depicted would mainly be portrayed as the idealized race in our country, white. This continued idealism however, is unrealistic as the foundation of America was built on the backs of black and brown people. This is a reminder that we have always been here and we are here to stay.

NINA SCHOLLAARDT

The photograph is a good representation of capturing a decisive moment. The contrast between the movement of the background and the stillness of the boys creates a beautiful narrative. One can feel the pause in time, the deep breath in, the pure connection between the photographer and subjects, all feelings that we long for. The matching colors in the boys’ outfits and the background create a cohesive composition and add a new level of meaning to the story. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – In the series Fairground Youth the fun fair serves as a backdrop, while the youth take center stage. The chaotic, colorful atmosphere of the fairground contrasts with the serene calm in which I attempt to capture the young people. My fascination lies in how they position themselves within their friend groups and how they present themselves to the outside world. To portray the youth, I work with an analog medium format camera on a tripod, a deliberate choice that slows down my working process. This slow, attentive approach sharply contrasts with the fast, turbulent life of teenagers and the hustle and bustle of the fun fair. I ask the young people to pause for a moment and concentrate with me, aiming to capture the purity and vulnerability of their adolescence. This method results in still images amidst the chaos, creating an intimate and introspective view of youth.

PAUL KIL

A delicate and fluid full-body portrait, with artistic aesthetics and a poetic feel, this image denotes sensibility and lyricism. Aiming to reach the soul, the consciousness beyond the physical body, the photographer creates a subtle focal point in the model’s eye but gives the viewer the freedom to interpret the artwork based on their subjective boundaries. This is not an explicit portrait but an invitation for self-expression through art. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Volatile self-awareness.

MARTINA HOLMBERG

There is an honesty and simplicity to this family portrait that raises powerful emotions. With a natural background and a straightforward embrace between subjects, the photograph conveys love, nostalgia, and the comfort of familiarity. The composition is simple and immediate, with the two subjects dominating the scene. The photographer didn’t force any artistic tricks, leaving the photo as natural as the lovely bond displayed between the subjects. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Me and my father.

TIAGO CABRITA

A simple portrait that documents life in a remote area in a human and caring manner. The composition is well-balanced, leading the viewer from one detail to another with the aid of thoughtfully curated leading lines. Although posed, this portrait has a candid sensitivity. Its honesty and purity win hearts and raise questions, creating the ideal environment for raising awareness around a bigger story. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – From a photojournalistic project made in Brazil, about the Quilombo – Bairro Bombas, in Iporanga, state of Sao Paulo. As a community that has been suffering with population decrease over the past few years, it is impressive to see them thrive in such an environment. The village is located in a very remote area in the Atlantic forest and there is no paved access so the only way to get there is via a long trail (5 to 8 km) through the forest. Nevertheless they remain there and are constantly fighting with the local government in order to stay rooted to their land.

TATIANA BECQUET

The photographer uses an interesting technique to capture not only the physical part but also the ethereal part of a person. In this fine-art portrait, one feels the presence of the woman before recognizing the contours of her body. Instead of a realistic approach to portraiture, the photographer chose an artistic and complicated composition, full of metaphors and visual cues, an approach that invites a meditative and philosophical state of mind. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – These black and white photographs are part of a series, the idea for which was to capture the mystery and dreamlike nature of the human body in motion, almost spectral. The superposition of shapes gives an impression of bursting, as if the subject were dissolving into space. The diffuse light accentuates the contours of the body, while the shadow invades the corners, creating a contrast between the visible and the invisible. The whole evokes a feeling of vulnerability and fluidity, where the boundary between body and mind seems to fade. These images symbolize the duality of human existence, both physical and ethereal, tangible and elusive. These photographs were taken with a Rolleiflex in black and white film and a superimposition process at the time of shooting.

CELINE FRERS

Straight lines and neutral colors, act to make the two main characters pop out and capture the viewer’s attention. Just by looking at them, you find so much about their story. They are close, maybe friends or brothers, they are tough and are prepared to take on any challenge. The background provides a glimpse into their lives and completes their story. “Turbo” provides some humor. The photograph emphasizes human resilience, powerful bonds, and proud attitudes in a natural but artistic manner. – LIFE FRAMER

LIVIA PERES

This complex composition refers to multiple issues in our society. The central portrait of a baby is overlayed on a striking background, creating a contrast meant to raise awareness. Beautiful natural light and dark industrial smoke, a green fence and a metal one, a baby and a car on the grass, there is so much to acknowledge and take in from this picture. The photographer manages to tell a complicated story without overcrowding the frame. It talks to fragility of life, the bond of parenthood, and of course the wider environmental crisis referenced in the photographer’s statement. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Our daily habits deeply impact the environment. How do we want future generations to inherit the planet? Are we ensuring a sustainable future? I hope we are heading towards that…