Open Call Award Editors’ Picks of October 2024

Following the results of last month’s Open Call competition – judged by Fiona Shields, Head of Photography at The Guardian – we are excited to spotlight some of the competition entries that demonstrated remarkable creativity and skill despite not making the final selection.

From compelling portraits to awe-inspiring landscapes and innovative, conceptual images, this selection highlights the profound creative potential of photography. We are honored to showcase the work of these 12 exceptionally talented photographers, who we believe are thoroughly deserving of recognition.

“Follow” - Iceland
This aerial image captures the striking meeting of a river with the sea along Iceland’s rugged coast. A second river joins, casting a golden hue contrasting sharply with the dark volcanic sands and moss-covered rocks. A small Cessna plane flying over this unique landscape, the photo showcases the natural beauty of Iceland’s remote wilderness and the delicate balance between land, river, and sea. © Alex Visbal
“Innerland: portrait of Ayla Gizlice”
“Existence is not a concept; it’s indescribable.” © Synchrodogs
“Bloody Milk”
Bloody Milk is my reflection on the work our psyche performs behind the curtain of our daily lives; perceiving and absorbing violence of all sorts, shapes and forms that we encounter: the media, toxic behavior, hate and plain old-fashioned physical assault. The tension accumulated through all those sources of violence cannot be relieved even when we’re feeling safe. © Ivan Knyazev
“The Naked Forest” - Dublin, Ireland
Part of The Naked Forest Art Nude book shot in 2024 in Dublin, Ireland © Ioan Hiliuta
“Braided river” - Lake Pukaki, in New Zealand. 2024
The blue waters of glacial melt waters form braided channels through sediments laid down over thousands of years. The Tasman glacier forms a complex delta at the top of Lake Pukaki, in New Zealand, 2024. © Stuart Chape
“Diving” - Southampton, New York, USA
This is an aerial photo of a humpback whale just seconds after taking a breath on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. It was taken approximated 100 yards from the coast of Southampton, NY USA. It is the direct result of the greatest conservation gain I will witness in my lifetime. © Joanna Steidle
“Carretera Fantasma”
I took this image in collaboration with a singer-songwriter in May 2024. Her next musical project would be Carretera Fantasma (Ghost Road), and I wanted to get that gloomy, mysterious ambiance in the portrait organically rather than in post-edition. I applied grease on a plexiglass board in front of the lenses and got that look that matched my vision. © Jose Girl
“05-Echoes of Light N°07”
This abstract nature portrait features a gentle gradient of soft blue, pink, orange, and green. The harmonious colors evoke calm and tranquility, with a meditative effect that deepens over time. As light interacts with the tones, the image seems to glow, inviting the viewer to pause and immerse in nature’s subtle beauty. © Sonja Priller
“Mettle of the Sea” - Ireland
Standing tall and timeless, the sea stack at Downpatrick Head is one of Ireland’s most stunning natural landmarks. This remote spot on the north coast captures the raw beauty of the Atlantic and the rugged charm of the Irish landscape. A reminder of nature’s power and resilience. The feeling this place and photo evoke in me is that, even in solitude, we can find strength and stand firm against the tides that surge through life’s trials. © Matthieu Roisil
“What we do in the shadows”
© Laura Sales
“dune”- Oman
“In the heart of Oman’s desert expanse, I ascended the towering sand dunes, seeking refuge in their lofty heights and the boundless vistas they offered. Amidst this surreal landscape, I embarked on a creative experiment. Turning my camera upside down, I ventured into the realm of double exposure, merging the envisioned composition with the stark reality of the desert. Through this innovative technique, I captured a minimalist scene, echoing the serene beauty of the desert’s endless sands.” © Thaddäus Biberauer
“Defiende Lo Sagrado, Por Favor. (Defend What Is Sacred, Please.)”
A prayer to Ochosi, asking for him to defend what is sacred. Ochosi governs hunting, and protects the animals and the forests; he carries within his essence a sense of healing, kindness, and protection. He guards the hunters who need the hunt to survive and does not tolerate those who kill unnecessarily. Ochosi carries what is attached to nature: the fauna and flora, the stars, the moon, and the sun. © Victoria Ruiz

Published November 18, 2024 - Congratulations to all selected artists: Alex Visbal, Synchrodogs, Ivan Knyazev, Ioan Hiliuta, Stuart Chape, Joanna Steidle, Jose Girl, Sonja Priller, Matthieu Roisil, Laura Sales, Thaddäus Biberauer, Victoria Ruiz,

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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.