1ST PRIZE: ALAIN SCHROEDER

I love this image because it resembles such a natural moment in the street. Some other submissions were very well composed but looked like there had been some intervention by the photographer. Here there are so many people in the frame, our eyes dart around everywhere absorbing them all and I love that. And of course the composition is near perfect. Bravo! – ERIC BOUVET

A jigsaw of a scene awaits the viewer’s gaze, composed of color, pattern, movement and reflection – and all these elements can be pulled apart and analyzed individually. The subjects busily populate the street, occupied with their daily tasks, seemingly unaware of the massive wall mural parading like a mocking backdrop. The photographer presents an energetic and busy scene where life imitates art. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – United States of America, New York. In the meatpacking district a mural colliding with a scene of daily life.

2ND PRIZE: CHARIS IOANNOU

In a way, this isn’t an unusual image. The environment, and making images with reflects are both pretty common. But this ones captures a perfect moment with a perfect composition. That the photographer had the intelligence to return it, to rethink it by flipping the frame upside down, makes all the difference. If you look it on the original orientation, it’s a good shot, but not so strong as the choice to flip it upside down. Bravo, I really love this way of thinking. – ERIC BOUVET

Without the Shibuya Crossing’s iconic black and white lines on show, only the shards of people moving through the scene in different directions are an indicator of the urgency and business that usually occurs here. Unlike the pedestrians who look and move forward with purpose, the photographer appears to be taking their time, intentionally observing and capturing the in-between moments. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Shibuya scramble crossing, Tokyo.

YAIZA RODRÍGUEZ MELIÁN

A perfectly composed scene of shape and form, balanced with blue sky and green grass, resulting in an image that’s harmonious in both subject and execution. It’s one of those images so perfectly composed that you wonder how it wasn’t staged (we know it not to be). The humorous aspect is inescapable, as in some way it appears as if the figure on the far left is unknowingly walking straight into a fitness or music video being filmed. Additional information on the photographer’s wider project would help put some context to the scene and its part in the story. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – A Sunday Morning, Las Canteras Beach is part of my project that I am doing on the beach of my city, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

JOSH STANLEY

The photographer captures the scene just at the right moment, just as the perspective becomes a tunnel of little scenes, the black and white element giving the image its elegant cinematic qualities. The viewer is encouraged to take time and observe each aspect of the scene, viewing how the elements of the photograph compliment and move around each other as if music is playing somewhere in the distance. An image that is both bold and subtle. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Neo Noir.

VASCO TRANCOSO

The scene is reminiscent of the ‘shadow play’ shows and their ancient storytelling qualities. But a puzzle welcomes the viewer – is the photographer in this scene or not? Are they capturing their own silhouette or just another passerby? Regardless, they have created a striking street portrait of rich color, texture and depth, easily enjoyed from an aesthetic perspective alone. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Enigma.

LANDON PALLIAN

The more the viewer looks the more they see with this image. However, this is not an overcomplicated frame hiding scene within scenes, but more a passing moment of fun and frivolity. The photographer allows just enough time so the rolling tyres fall without interrupting one another, the young girl looks on seemingly unimpressed while the woman appears in the doorway with a somewhat mischievous yet innocent presence. A well-timed and observed photograph of daily life, beautifully balanced in black and white. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Taken from a developing series of the people in the Americas.

FEDERICO MEJIA

The photographer takes an extremely sensitive and decisive issue and forces a mirror image, presenting layers of identities and ethnicities in one close composition. The subjects appear like characters of a play, existing in shadowy light but unreal or detached from reality. The viewer is also faced with difficult questions and stark realities. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Although Israel is embedded in multicultural and territorial conflicts, it’s surprising to see the cultural diversity of this territory. I wanted to isolate and capture this diversity, how people look different and however make part of the same tissue.

ELMO TIDE

There’s both a sadness and sense of solidarity within this street shot as these women, heads hung, make their way through the night and the viewer is allowed a brief glimpse into a moment of their lives. The discarded rubbish strewn across the scene emphasises the hopelessness that darkness can bring. The street lights and brightly lit signs of dive bars and takeaways frame the scene, as if in cheap mockery. A poignant photograph, for which a first-hand account or insight into the stories of these women’s lives would enrich the scene further. – LIFE FRAMER

TOM HUBER

From perspective to composition this is a unique image, but even more so with the specific subject matter. The inverted colors and low angle allow the viewer to observe the street dog in an iconic sense, as if it represents street dogs everywhere and the global issue of overpopulation of domesticated animals. The dramatic skyline is the ideal backdrop to this extraordinary image. A captivating canine portrait. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Approximately 300 street dogs live in the small fish and surf village Imsouane in Morocco. They live a happy life and are kept healthy by the organization Imsoneproject.

GAVIN LIBOTTE

Rich in color and light, this image immediately captures the viewer’s senses – as if they could easily swap places with these subjects and face the warm, direct sunlight on the busy street. Details are not missed, as the figures almost imitate the poster in the background with their individual garments – their solid, simple colors appear brilliant and bold against the sun. A striking, engaging and amusing street shot. – LIFE FRAMER

STREETMAX 21

The photographer is transparent with their photographic process, anticipating an engaging and aesthetically pleasing composition and waiting until it comes together organically in front of them to capture. The accompanying text gives a deeper insight to the photographer’s conceptual process and its compelling aims. A well timed, amusing scene with a thought provoking intention. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Fenchurch Buildings, 16.10.18. Adhering to the rules of candid street photography, I often ‘build’ shots by waiting for satisfactory outcomes in real time. Extensively, I’ve used photographic layering to make a comment about aspects of human behavior in cities. It’s a particular technique I’ve chosen, to make a body of work which, I feel, gives visual expression to the human condition now. In these photographs of the City of London, the built environment, static and inanimate, is the stage in which a walking choreography is played out. The humans, who bring the animate, are spatially arranged as though carefully directed. They appear to have been preconditioned to act like automatons or self-absorbed passers-by uncannily acting out parts in mental isolation.

I’m looking for rhythm in moving figures and to have them separated visually within plastic space. In a landscape rendered anew by technological change, it’s the spaces between the human inhabitants that are equally likely to control the narrative. Much like Giorgio Morandi’s poetry of the mundane, those spaces between are arguably as important as the humans themselves. Even though I’m working in a real environment, shooting it in this way can give it an unreal look. Perhaps the influence of digital technology on the City is already illustrating the boundary between the real and the virtual world, like Goddard’s Alphaville which, through deft use of real locations, transformed a real city into a science fictional one.

The prevalence of digital technology has shifted our sense of what it is to belong to a community. We read, write, hear and see differently because of it. It follows therefore, that I should be documenting the city differently and in the process attempting a different form of street photography.

KARLYNNE WINTELS

A collage of still imagery, movement and man-made structures form the foundations of this street postcard. However, it’s the low sunlight casting shadows from faceless subjects that enamours the viewer. A photograph created by someone who enjoys the nuances of daily life and endeavours to capture the poetic elements without focusing directly on people. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – My photographs encapsulate the beauty of daily urban life, each frame capturing a distinct and artistic essence. Whether it’s the interplay of geometric shapes, the striking definition of strong lines and shadows, or the intriguing depth created by layers and interactions, these images aim to showcase the richness and diversity found in the ordinary moments of the cityscape.

JOAQUÍN PASTOR GENZOR

Without the accompanying text the viewer would be at a loss, contemplating the perspectives and physics of this contrasting scene. The photographer has carefully observed their surroundings, accessing the reflections and angles that would produce the ideal composition. A unique and captivating street photograph, where the photographer morphs a mundane moment into an alternative reality. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Limitado. A policeman walks steadily towards the courthouse. He was photographed on a sunny winter’s day, using the reflection of the windows of an adjacent modern building to compose the scene.

JUKKA MALE

The image appears like some film still from the 1970’s, this postcard from the past immediately engaging the viewer as the subject locks eyes with the lens. The photographer is curious and open as they consider and capture this scene, full of depth, texture and detail beyond the expressionless driver. A brief moment perfectly immortalised. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – What I am not, I am not. Not exactly a street photographer but some pictures of mine fit to the category. Some are from different themes I was involved in. Some others walked towards me when I was seeking after something I wasn’t aware of.

SUDEEP LAL

Two striking murals of strong and defiant women frame this innocent and loving moment, as if protecting the little subjects, safe in the doorway, as they embrace – they are immense but not intimidating nor distracting. The photographer took their time to observe and understand the power of this simple scene before creating their photograph. A colorful and candid scene of culture and connection. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Tender Love. This photo was made during my travel to city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. I was exploring the old ‘Blue City’ when I came across this scene of a young girl holding a baby in her arms. I thought it was truly a beautiful tender moment, and I immediately composed and made the photo.

JAIME ORTEGA

The photographer is quick to capture this charming and wholesome moment – one that is both inspiring and instant. The vibrancy and innocence of the scene brings to mind advertisements for family holidays and theme parks – but is less saccharine and more authentic than those acted out moments. A heart warming, enchanting scene photographed from a experienced and positive viewpoint. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – The ceaseless hustle of thousands of individuals in London is a spectacle in its own right, and discovering wonder in the simplicity of their daily routines undoubtedly stirs a genuine emotion.

Through the window of an iconic London black cab, a girl and an adult are observed, their expressions of surprise and curiosity mirrored in the vibrant colors on the vehicle’s windows as it passes in front of the giant screens of Piccadilly Circus in London.

TED CHIN

The photograph initially appears like a graphic ink print, or illustration from a 1950’s American Noir novel. Although the scene is predominantly black, the subtle shading and small details encourage the viewer to envision the location, its inhabitants and all the stories that unfold within the shadows. The photographer leans into their graphic design skill and merges it with their photographic talent to create this striking image. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Chasing lights in the city. Beside my graphic design passion, I also love to take street photography on my free time.

MIGUEL CRESPO

The viewer is immediately immersed into this 90’s MTV style scene – full of familiar fashion, contradictory lighting sources and abstract structuring. The photographer’s observations skills are sharp as they frame the scene perfectly and ensure to include the background subjects mid-action. An amusing image that conjures up more questions than answers, allowing the viewer to default to pure imagination. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – My world without you.

VICTOR MANUEL ALVAREZ VICENTE

Although no person is present in the street scene, a poetic portrait appears for the viewer to appreciate as the silhouette sits subtly within the frame. The warmth is felt throughout the image, as the photographer positions their image between light and dark, making the most of shadows and reflections. A simple yet effective street scene – where the photographer creates a portrait, self-portrait and mirror for the viewer all at once. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – I am each of the people I see. They are my mirror. A simple and exhausted reflection of everything I show. I am the red scarf of that child who sings in the street. I’m also the subway bum’s last drop of cold coffee. If the heart could not really feel what the eye ignores (or tries to ignore); Would the beating of a heart make sense?

NEIL JOHANSSON

A scene perfectly and poetically suspended, complemented by the silence only a photograph can provide. Each layer of reflection frames the moment in its own unique way. A quiet sense of loneliness underpins the image, allowing the viewer to project their own solitude or even ponder if there is an autobiographical element to the photograph. An entrancing moment where street photography meets fine art. – LIFE FRAMER

Photographer statement – Another Dimension, From The Series Within/Without, 2021.