Color photo of Camel Festival in Mongolia by Matt Dutile

Visual Story Award Editors’ Picks of February 2026

In the wake of last month’s Visual Story Award—overseen by guest judge and British photographer Laura Pannack—the editorial team is proud to present a selection of competition entries that fell just short of the top prize. While these works did not make the final cut, their quality and depth warrant recognition.

Spanning the globe from remote landscapes to dense cities, these stories encompass labor, cultural resilience, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit. Together, they serve as a potent reminder of the impact of visual journalism and its ability to illuminate the intricate narratives that define our modern era.

Published March 16, 2026 - Congratulations to all selected artists: Chiara Felmini, Héctor Ruiz Golobart, Rona Bar and Ofek Avshalom, Luke Gram, Brandon Yoshizawa, Mark Muscat de Celis, Matt Dutile, Farida Lemeatrag, Thibault Gerbaldi, Indranil Sengupta, Michel Pedrero, Roberto Flores,

Call for entries

Color portrait fashion photo of woman with sunglasses in red car by
© Steven Jackson
2026 Portrait AWARD

Win $2,700 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Can you tell a story with a single glance? – in May, we invite all photographers to share portraits that narrate compelling tales, whether captured in the controlled environment of a studio, the vibrant chaos of the street, or the rich landscapes of travel.

  • Win $2,700 in Cash Prizes
  • International Exhibition
  • +970k Instagram Feature
  • Free Online Portfolio

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